DESCRIPTION: Primary responsibility is to provide technical aspects of dental hygiene which involve prophylactic dental treatments and oral health education.
SUPERVISION: Directly supervised by the Chief Dental Officer.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires prolonged hours standing, bending, stooping and may be required to move up to 25 pounds.
FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide dental prophylaxis and fluoride treatments.
- Screens and sets preliminary chart for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
- Performs pit and fissure sealants, scaling and root planning.
- Performs cavitron scaling as indicated by dentist.
- Takes radiographs on patients as requested by dentist.
- Records all treatment in charts.
- Places dental patients on a recall system upon completion of prophylactic treatment and may be required to help in scheduling of patients.
- Follows OSHA standards and guidelines for sterilization procedures.
- Maintains handpieces and scalers according to manufacturer's guidelines.
- Sharpens and maintains all scalers.
- Maintains and restocks the hygiene operatory in conjunction with casting inventory protocols.
- Advises dental director of equipment and supply needs.
- Provides, as directed by dental director, oral dental health education to patients, parents of pediatric patients, school age children or other community organizations at designated sites.
- Must participate in Center's Peer Review Process
- May also be asked to supervise dental/dental hygienist students for teaching purposes according to qualifications of hygienist.
- May be asked to help in training personnel for OSHA requirements and infection control according to qualifications of hygienist.
- Must wear required personal protection when handling exposed instruments and equipment.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be a graduate from an accredited school of Dental Hygiene.
- Must be currently licensed in the State of Texas.
- Must meet State Board requirements to maintain license in good standing
- Must be proficient in taking vital signs
- Must maintain continuing education requirements including a current CPR certificate.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.
- Must have a working knowledge of computer
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Must be able to use a variety of dental equipment.
- Must be able to follow instructions.
- Working knowledge of acceptable office procedures.
- Ability to communicate effectively with patient population.
- Must be familiar with principles of nutrition and dental health, various dental instruments and medications.