Dental Hygienist job in Columbus at Lutheran Scial Svcs Centl Ohio

GENERAL SUMMARY:
The Dental Hygienist performs a variety of oral health clinical procedures and provides oral health education. Works with a multi-disciplinary team to provide integrated care for patients, and participates in quality improvement, peer review, and evaluation activities to improve care for patients at the Faith Mission Health Center.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Administers prophylactic treatment by the scaling and polishing of teeth. 
• Documents area of existing restorations and notable areas of possible decay and disease for dentist's review. When appropriate, may call in dentist for immediate consultation. 
• Takes x-rays to determine extent of any decay and disease. 
• Administers fluoride treatment as needed. 
• Provides education for patients to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent tooth decay.
• Updates medical history of patient, highlighting significant information for dentist's review. 
• Instructs patients in oral hygiene technique, answering patient questions and providing other Educational information relevant to oral hygiene. 
• Practices universal precautions and other sterilization and infection control procedures, and maintains equipment. 
• Provides associated administrative support, including maintaining patient documentation, patient communication and other record-keeping. 
• Documents all services in the Electronic Health Record and/or other systems in a timely manner.  
• Participates in quality improvement activities, peer review, management meetings, and team meetings.       
• Collaborates with the Health Center Manager and administrative staff to ensure smooth operation of clinic and programs.  
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary team members and community partners and make referrals to specialty care providers as needed.   
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION:

• Graduate of accredited Dental Hygiene education program with Dental Hygienist certificate    
• Preferred Oral Health Access Supervision Certification through Oral Health Access Supervision Program (OHASP)

EXPERIENCE:

• Current and valid Ohio license as Dental Hygienist 
• Experience providing dental hygiene services in a dental practice or internship setting

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Excellent communication skills; 
• Understanding of and commitment to not-for-profit services; 
• Up to date knowledge of regulations, methods, trends and equipment;
• Comfort working with diverse cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles, and experiences; 
• Able to work in a self-directed manner with minimal supervision; 
• Working knowledge and comfort with electronic dental record software, Microsoft Office software, etc.; 
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with a wide range of people.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.  

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:  

Physical Requirements

Rarely

(0-12%)

Occasionally

(12-33%)

Frequently

(34-66%)

Regularly

(67-100%)

Seeing: read reports and use computer

X

Speaking & Hearing: communication with clients and co-workers

X

Standing/Walking

X

Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling

X

Lifting/Pushing/Pulling up to 25 lbs

X

Lifting/Pushing/Pulling 25-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Pushing/Pulling 50-100 lbs

X

Lifting/Pushing/Pulling over 100 lbs

X

Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: write, type, use phones, etc…

X

Sitting for extended periods of time

X

Working Conditions

Busy environment with regular interaction with chronically ill and homeless individuals.

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