Registered Dental Hygienist

Position Title:  Registered Dental Hygienist 

Reports To:     Dental Director

Classification: Salary; exempt

Attendance at HIPAA and compliance educational programs is a requirement of employment.

SUMMARY: 

The Registered Dental Hygienist will provide direct provision of oral hygiene and appropriate preventive services to dental patients at Lifecare Family Health and Dental Center.  The Registered Dental Hygienist will also be responsible for providing appropriate oral health information to individuals and groups.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides clinical oral hygiene services including dental prophylaxis, scaling, root planning, sealant application, and fluoride application consistent with accepted professional practices and standards and in compliance with applicable state law and Lifecare FHDC policies and procedures.
2. Assists in the oral health management of all dental patients.
3. Obtains baseline oral hygiene assessment data based upon accepted principles of oral hygiene and periodontal care.
4. Records treatment as they occur in the patient’s dental record so that the dental record accurately and completely reflects the nature of the contact, the condition of the patient and the care or treatment provided.
5. Provides oral health education and appropriate individual counseling for all Lifecare FHDC patients.
6. Integrates appropriate patient oral hygiene care with other health care professionals involved in the patient’s health care management.
7. Organizes and performs preventive oral health presentations at on-site and off-site locations.
8. Assists in the provision of technical assistance and health education in the community as requested.
9. Actively participates in the Quality Improvement Program and serves on committees as assigned.
10. Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by a dentist in accordance with state regulations and law as well as Lifecare FHDC dental policies and procedures.
11. Assists in the maintenance of all dental department areas in compliance with directives and policies as well as Lifecare FHDC policies relative to infection control, exposure control, and safety issues.
12. Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business, and patient care.
13. Assists with various clinical and administrative functions as directed by the dentist.
14. Insures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Lifecare FHDC policy as well as state and federal regulations.
15. Travels when necessary to meet operational needs.
16. As directed by the dentist, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

1. Graduate from an accredited school of dental hygiene.
2. Ability to maintain appropriate clinical privileges.
3. Unrestricted license to practice Dental Hygiene in the State of Ohio.
4. Current CPR certification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
2. Knowledge of public health principles and practices.
3. Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with fellow healthcare providers.
4. Ability to work with a culturally-diverse staff and patient population.
5. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Lifecare FHDC management and medical staff members.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

1. Must be willing to submit to post offer, pre-employment physical examination/medical history check if requested.
2. May be required to submit to annual TB and rubella screening.
3. May be required to submit to Hepatitis A/B vaccinations; candidate may decline vaccinations in writing or may provide record of vaccination from previous employer.
4. A pre-employment background investigation may be required.