Registered Dental Hygienist (PT)

About the Role

Schedule: Monday and Wednesdays/8 am - 5 pm (1 hour lunch 12-1); 16 hours/week

The Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) improves the oral health of patients through the delivery of professional high-quality dental hygiene care and associated services. This role will perform broad responsibilities for clinic and community dental health education activities. Additionally, this role will support the dental team in a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties.

Responsibilities

• Provides periodontal therapies and other dental hygiene related services to patients
• Assesses patient dental conditions and needs using approved patient screening procedures, including medical/dental history review, chief complaints, dental charting, and periodontal charting
• Evaluates overall oral health by examining oral cavity for signs of periodontal diseases, such as recessed or bleeding gums, and oral lesions
• Documents and reports pertinent observations and patient reactions to dentists
• Exposes digital radiographs and takes intra-oral photos
• Follows through with oral hygiene procedures in accordance with treatment plans prescribed by the attending dentist, including prophylaxis, periodontal scaling, root planning, debridement, supra/subgingival scaling and curettage, fluoride treatments, and protective sealants
• Assists with or initiates emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment of patients
• Educates patients in oral hygiene and dental care, including proper tooth brushing, flossing, nutrition, and need for professional care
• Enhances the efficiency of the clinic by performing expanded duties as allowable by law and directed by the dentist
• Documents lab procedures and ensures follow up on results
• Ensures direct patient care is delivered using established dental hygiene procedures
• Ensures all tasks provided and associated with patient care, patient administrative processes, and related duties comply with all regulatory/accreditation standards and clinic policies and procedures
• Manages and maintains patient records and related administrative documentation to ensure all records and related documentation are consistent with all HIPM and related regulations and requirements
• Utilizes the requisite tools, systems, technology, and equipment in the collection of patient data, records management, and collections
• Manages the dental office infection control plan to meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Center for Disease Control (CDC), and American Dental Association (ADA) standards
• Ensures compliance and attention to all corporate policies and procedures
• Maintains state license through continuing education, as required
• Ensures positive experiences for all patients, including treating patients with care and compassion
• Assists patients to feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment
• Develops favorable relationships with all patients by interacting positively to provide information and education about oral hygiene
• Interacts positively with a diverse, sometimes difficult, and demanding patient population
• Handles and resolves patient concerns with enthusiasm and empathy
• Establishes professional and favorable working relationships with all staff members associated with clinic operations, including patient services representatives, dental assistants, dentists, and related staff
• Cooperates with the team in accomplishing department goals and objectives
• Conducts dental health clinics for community groups to augment services of dentists

Requirements

• High school/GED required
• Valid California Registered Dental Hygienist License required
• National Provider Identifier (NPI) number required or ability to obtain prior to hire
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through an American Heart Association (AHA)-Approved source is required upon hire and must be maintained as a condition of employment. AHA-approved courses include an in-person, hands-on skills check with a certified instructor using a mannequin to demonstrate CPR and emergency response techniques. Online-only BLS courses without a live skills check do not meet this requirement.
• One-year dental hygienist experience in a dental office required

Qualifications

• Valid certification to administer local anesthesia is preferred
• Experience working in a FQHC setting preferred
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including superior composition, typing and proofreading skills
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Knowledgeable about and experience with performing a full range of established dental hygienist protocols/procedures
• Knowledgeable about and experience with dental practices and procedures
• Knowledge about and experience with using dental devices and equipment
• Ability to provide direct patient services and successfully manage difficult patient situations
• Knowledge about and experience with dental practices and procedures, including clinic infection control procedures, cleaning/sterilizing instruments, tray setup and materials
• Knowledge about and experience with establishing oral hygiene concepts and periodontal therapies
• Ability to independently assess the nature and extent of dental disease, associated conditions and pathology in dental patients
• Ability to analyze medical records and prescribed protocols to formulate effective therapeutic treatment plans
• Knowledge about and experience with dental surgeries and associated procedures, terminology, and techniques
• Ability to set-up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines
• Knowledge of patient screening, charting and medical history procedures and documentation
• Knowledge of patient admission, triage, transfer and discharge procedures and documentation
• Knowledge about and experience with federal, state, and institutional regulations and guidelines for the provision of dental outpatient services
• Ability to successfully manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Excellent planning and organizational ability
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently
• Ability to work with highly confidential information in a professional and ethical manner
• Ability to lift/carry 50 lbs/weight
• Ability to stand for long periods of time

Benefits

• Partially company paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
• Two plus weeks of vacation
• Nine Holidays including two Floating Holidays of your choosing
• Sick/Personal time
• Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
• 403b Retirement plan (similar to a 401k)
• Optional Health and Wellness events

Pay

$50.09 to $75.09 per hour, depending on experience and additional qualifications.