Temporary Dental Hygienist

Description

The position could possibly close at any time.

Essential Functions

• Reviews charts, updates medical histories.
• Serves as a preventative care specialist and provides educational, clinical, and therapeutic services supporting total health through the promotion of optimal oral health.
• Conducts oral examinations and provides treatment that helps to prevent oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontal disease.
• Exposes and processes dental x-rays and alerts the dentist to observations.
• Performs oral prophylaxis on patients scaling and polishing the teeth to remove stains, plaque, and calculus from tooth surfaces.
• Applies cavity prevention agents such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants.
• Maintains accurate medical/dental records and documentation on each patient’s chart.
• Educates patients on proper diet, proper brushing and flossing technique, and the use of special home care instruments such as dentures, flossing threaders, and interdental brushes.
• Demonstrates and explains the proper care of dentures and bridges and explains the causes of dental cavities and gum disease and its prevention.
• Clarifies health questions and summarizes the dental findings of the exam and explains the needed treatment.
• Practices and maintains proper infectious disease control procedures, including preparation, cleaning and disinfection of treatment room before and after each patient, cleaning and sterilization of dental instruments and disinfection of dental equipment while following CDC guidelines for dental offices.
• Maintains dental instruments and equipment in proper working order.
• Maintains supply inventory.
• Assists the Dental Assistant by seating patients, cleaning packaging, and sterilizing instruments, setting up trays for dental procedures, screening emergency patients, removing sutures, taking impressions, making models, and chair side assisting.
• Attends continuing education programs as required to maintain license to practice as a dental hygienist.

Other Functions

During a public health emergency, the employee may be required to perform duties similar to but not limited to those in his/her job description.

Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to perform physical movements specific to dental hygiene, including repetitive actions required for scaling and polishing of teeth.
• Ability to deal with the visual restraints of working in the oral cavity.
• Ability to work in an area with high noise levels caused by dental equipment.
• Exposure to chemicals found in dental materials and products, such as acids and disinfectants.
• Exposure to biological hazards such as blood borne pathogens, infectious diseases, contaminated wastes, saliva, and radiation.
• Working on Mobile Dental Center performing Sealants for school age children which includes driving the unit to school.

Employment Qualifications

• Education: Possession of an Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene from a school accredited by the American Dental Association.
• Experience: One year of experience as a Dental Hygienist, prefer experience with patient behavioral management.

Other Requirements

• Must be certified in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide.
• Demonstrates effective communication skills by engaging, interacting and working with all individuals to ensure clarity and understanding in all interactions.

UAW June 2022

This position is benefited and is subject to the UAW GROUP CBA. Ingham County offers a wide range of benefits to support you in your career. View the Benefits page for more information. The current group contract can be viewed here.

Application Instructions

01 Do you have possession of an Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene from a school accredited by the American Dental Association? YesNo
02 How many years of experience do you have as a Dental Hygienist? I have no experienceI have 6 months of experienceI have 1 year of experienceI have 2+ years of experience
03 Are you certified in local anesthesia, this is a requirement for this position. YesNo
04 Are you certified in nitrous oxide, this is a requirement for this position YesNo
05 Did you submit your transcripts or diploma showing your degree awarded, if not please explain why?
06 Did you submit your cover letter and resume? YesNo
07 Did you submit your nitrous oxide and local anesthesia certificates, if not please explain why as this is a requirement for the position? Required