DENTAL HYGIENIST - Family Center of Harlem

About the role

The employee performs a full range of dental hygienist assignments in a full-functioning capacity. Work is performed under the supervision of a licensed dentist and considerable independent judgment is required to provide appropriate dental services.

Responsibilities

• Performs oral prophylaxis on patients, scaling, root planning and polishing the teeth to remove stains, plaque, and calculus from tooth surfaces using hand scalers, ultrasonic cleaning instruments and motor-or-air-driven dental polishers.
• Examines the mouth to determine if there are dental problems such as conditions of periodontal disease or tooth decay, charts findings, and reports same to dentist.
• Instructs patients in proper methods of tooth brushing and flossing techniques, care and cleaning of dentures, maintenance of oral health, and/or proper usage of non-prescription medication.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date patient records in Dentrix.
• Creates and maintains dental treatment charts and records in Dentrix.
• Exposes and processes dental radiographs using bite wings, periapical films, and related equipment reads dental radiographs and alerts dentist to observations.
• P practices and maintains proper infection control procedure, including cleaning and sterilization of dental instruments and dental equipment.
• Maintains dental instruments and equipment in proper working order; follows procedures to maintain security of medications, instruments, and needles.
• Applies topical fluorides, topical anesthetics, and desensitizing agents to teeth and/or gums.
• Places sealants on non-cavitated first molars.
• Types charts and enters procedure ADA codes on a timely manner.
• Conducts health screening by performing an oral examination, taking panoramic x-rays, examining and charting existing dental conditions.
• Maintains patient/employee confidentiality in the management of information.
• Collaborates with social services department and other staff to provide community outreach for dental services and dental education.
• Participates and collaborates with the department in the development and implementation of CQI projects.
• Identifies physical, behavioral and emotional characteristics typical for the age group.
• Modifies approaches based on patient age-specific needs and responses to treatment.
• Provides care for patients based on age-specific needs.
• Uses communication techniques, which are age appropriate.
• Collaborates with other staff members to develop and implement care plans.
• Manages time and other resources to meet established goals within the agreed upon time frames.
• Participates in the department's performance improvement activities.
• Maintains patient/employee confidentiality in the management of information.
• Observes the Health Care System's compliance policies.
• Contributes to a cooperative, friendly and mutually supportive work environment: a "team" player.

Qualifications

• Education Required: Possession of an associate's degree in dental hygiene.
• Experience: Minimum of two (2) years' experience as a Dental Hygienist preferred.
• Skills: Demonstrated interpersonal, leadership, supervisory, clinical, and organizational skills. Demonstrated interest in employment in a community health center. Bi-lingual Spanish preferred. Demonstrated experience with dental electronic medical record preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge of dental hygiene practices and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and significant others.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

Benefits

N/A

Pay

N/A

Schedule

N/A

Organizational/Managerial

• Is punctual and maintains a satisfactory attendance record.
• Is appropriately attired for the office.
• Demonstrates reliability and trustworthiness.
• Effective in taking action without being told (taking initiative).
• Manages time and other resources to meet established goals within the agreed upon time frames.
• Participates in the department's performance improvement activities.
• Maintains patient/employee confidentiality in the management of information.
• Observes the Health Care System's compliance policies.
• Contributes to a cooperative, friendly and mutually supportive work environment: a "team" player.

Communication/Relationship

• Demonstrates a professional, courteous, and respectful attitude in dealing with patients, families and significant others.
• Displays courtesy, tact and patience during interactions with all members of the hospital staff and extended community.
• Answers telephones in an appropriate, professional manner, makes patient appointments and schedules patients in the appropriate appointment slot.