Dental Hygienist, RDH

Job Title: Dental Hygienist

Position Code: I01E Exempt

Department: Health Center Operations

Position Category (330): Dental Hygienist (L17)

Position Category (Rphca): Dental Hygienist

Union Exempt: No

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

A. POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Dental Director, the supervision of the Clinical Dental Supervisor, the indirect supervision of each patient’s treating dentist, and the administrative direction of the Health Center Manager, the Dental Hygienist assesses patient needs, and plans and delivers direct dental care and associated services to patients. Utilizes established dental hygiene protocol and procedures.

B. ESSENTAIL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assesses dental condition and needs of patient; uses patient screening procedures, to include medical history review, dental charting, and perio charting; takes patient vital signs as required;
2. Delivers direct patient care to patients as assigned, using established dental hygienist procedures; performs routine treatment procedures, such as cleaning, polishing, expose/develop x-rays, patient education, application of sealants and fluorides, and related procedures;
3. Develops and implements individualized dental care plans for patients; performs patient education, discharge planning, and patient/family teaching under the supervision of a qualified dentist;
4. Provides chair-side assistance to dentist in the performance of special tests, procedures, and complex treatments;
5. Makes impressions of patients' teeth for study casts;
6. Documents dental history or chief complaint; records and reports pertinent observations and patient reactions to dental staff, as appropriate; documents lab procedures and ensures follow up on results;
7. Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment of patients;
8. Performs patient triage and initiates patient care as appropriate for walk-in patients;
9. Assists in preparation of patient care areas, and in the patient admission, transfer, and discharge process, as required; prepares reports and assists as required with patient reception, telephone calls, routine triage, and other office duties;
10. Scrubs instruments and prepares them for autoclaving;
11. Sanitizes and disinfects operatory, sharpens instruments, and restocks with necessary materials, instruments, and supplies;
12. Writes prescriptions for endorsement by the dentist and calls them into pharmacy.
13. Triages emergency patients for the dentist;
14. Participate in site and organizational quality assurance and improvement;
15. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned;