Dental Hygienist
Job Description
Dental hygienists examine patients’ teeth and gums, recording the presence of diseases or abnormalities. They remove calculus, stains, and plaque from teeth; perform root planning as a periodontal therapy; take and develop dental x-rays; and apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants. Hygienists remove soft and hard deposits from teeth, teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene, and provide other preventive dental care. Hygienists may also place and carve filling materials, temporary fillings, and periodontal dressings; remove sutures; and smooth and polish metal restorations. Although hygienists do not diagnose diseases, they can prepare clinical and laboratory diagnostic tests for the dentist to interpret. Hygienists may also explain the relationship between diet and oral health or inform patients how to select toothbrushes and show them how to brush and floss their teeth.
Dental hygienists use hand and rotary instruments and ultrasonics to clean and polish teeth, x-ray machines to take dental pictures, syringes with needles to administer local anesthetics, and models of teeth to explain oral hygiene.
Summary
Mountains Community Hospital Rural Clinic offers the unique opportunity for Dental Professionals to practice their art while we provide business support and assume responsibility for most aspects of operating the practice.
Educational/Experience
Minimum Position Qualifications:
Education: Dental Hygienist certificate, associate degree or a baccalaureate degree in dental hygiene
Preferred: One-year dental experience, RDH
Licenses / Certifications: Current California Dental Hygienist License
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Current x-ray license, Current CPR certificate