GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

A full-time exempt position responsible for the direct provision of quality dental care and associated services to patients under the general supervision of a dentist and using established dental hygiene procedures. Assist other staff in a variety of patient care, office and laboratory duties. Perform broad responsibilities for clinic and community dental health education activities.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Achieve Results 

1. Improve the oral health of patients through the delivery of periodontal therapies and other dental hygiene-related services. 

2. Enhance the efficiency of the clinic by performing expanded duties as allowable by law and as directed by the dentist. Meet or exceed all measurable standards of care, including overall clinical, quality, and productivity goals.

3. Ensure all patients enjoy a positive experience, and are treated with the care and compassion expected. 

4. Ensure all patient records and related documentation are managed and maintained timely, accurately, and consistent with all HIPAA and related regulations and requirements. 

Operational Excellence 

1. Ensure all tasks provided and associated with patient care, patient administrative processes, and related duties comply with all regulatory and accreditation standards, as well as clinic policies and procedures. 

2. Ensure direct patient care is delivered using established dental hygiene procedures. 

Relationships 

1. Develop favorable relationships with all patients. Interact positively with patients to provide information and education about oral hygiene, handle and resolve patient concerns with enthusiasm and empathy. 

2. Establish favorable working relationships with all staff members associated with clinic operations, including Patient Access Reps (PAR), dental assistants, dentists, and related staff. 

Stewardship and Professionalism 

1. Uphold and consistently represent the values and mission of the organization at all times. Represent the organization in a highly professional manner at all times. 

2. Ensure compliance and attention to all corporate policies and procedures. 

3. Complete continuing education as necessary to retain state license. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

1. Assists in the oral health management of all Center patients.

2. Obtains baseline oral hygiene assessment data based on accepted principles of oral hygiene and periodontal care.

3. Provide direct patient care and dental services as trained, licensed, and assigned. Assess dental condition and needs of patients using approved patient screening procedures, including medical history review, dental charting, and periodontal charting. 

4. Evaluate overall oral health, examining oral cavity for signs of periodontal disease or possible cancers, including recessed & bleeding gums, and oral lesions, communicating findings to supervising dentists. 

5. Expose, process and mount radiograph films. 

6. Document dental history or chief complaint; record and report pertinent observations and patient reactions to dentists, as appropriate. 

7. Follow through with oral hygiene procedures in accordance with treatment plans prescribed by the attending dentist. Procedures may include: Prophylaxis, periodontal scaling, root planing, debridement, supra and subgingival scaling and curettage, application of fluoride treatments, and application of protective sealants. 

8. Assist with or initiate emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment of patients. 

9. Conduct dental health clinics for community groups to augment services of dentists. 

10. Help patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment. 

11. Educate patients in oral hygiene and dental care, including proper tooth brushing, flossing, nutrition and need for professional care. 

12. Demonstrate commitment to the mission of the organization in promoting dental health. 

13. Interact positively with a diverse, sometimes difficult, and demanding patient population. 

14. Provide service in a manner that is appropriate for the patient’s age; demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to meet the patient’s physical, psychosocial, educational and safety needs. 

15. Read, write, and maintain patient records and related administrative documentation. 

16. Utilize the requisite tools, systems, technology and equipment in the collection of patient data, records management and collections. 

17. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of dentistry procedures, clinic infection control procedures, cleaning and sterilization of instruments, tray setup and materials. 

18. Demonstrate knowledge of established oral hygiene concepts and periodontal therapies. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Occasional lifting of 40 lbs and pushing of 5-20 lbs

• Sitting, standing and walking approximately 80% of the time

• A medium to high level of manual dexterity required

• Bending and reaching approximately 20% of the time

• Normal overtime/extended work hours

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, radiation, and other conditions common to a clinical environment may be routinely encountered.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Training 

• High school diploma or equivalent. 

• Successful completion of an accredited dental hygiene program. 

Licensure and Credentials

• Current Registered Dental Hygienist with unrestricted license in the state of Louisiana. 

• Current CPR certification. 

Professional Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern oral hygiene and periodontal patient care.

• Knowledgeable of the public health, social and economic factors impacting overall health, specifically the oral health of patients.

• Demonstrated success in working independently, prioritization and problem solving. 

• Demonstrated success in organization abilities. 

• Demonstrated success in computer skills including ability to use computers for scheduling, dental records and digital x-rays. 

• Demonstrated success in customer service/patient services or working with the general public in a medical care facility. 

• Demonstrated success in managing difficult customer/patient situations 

• Significant knowledge of dental practices and procedures. 

• Demonstrated success and experience with direct patient services and the proper knowledge and use of dental devices and equipment. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certification to administer local anesthesia is preferred.