Dental hygienists are skilled healthcare workers that must be trained in techniques, skills and concepts related to dental care.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of dental office practices and procedures.
• Ability to evaluate patient conditions and make referrals.
• Ability to effectively organize time and materials.
• Ability to effectively work with dentists, colleagues, patients, and the public.
• Ability to work independently and without direct supervision.
• Ability to desire to work as a team member.
• Ability to travel without assistance as needed.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally, and in writing.
• Skill in the understanding of, and sensitivity to, persons of all educational, cultural, social and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, lift, and move intermittently during the working day.

Qualifications/Education Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college with a degree in dental hygiene; current licensure by the State of Mississippi; demonstrated ability to perform position duties; and experience as a dental hygienist.

Core Competencies

• Promotes and educates patients as to proper preventative techniques, including sulcular brushing and flossing.
• Administers in-office fluoride treatments and assists the dentist in determining supplemental fluoride treatments.
• Performs teeth prophylaxis appropriately.
• Removes calcerious deposits on teeth.
• Assists in community fluoride and oral hygiene programs (i.e. in schools, etc.).
• Adequately maintains an active recall system in conjunction with the receptionist.
• Takes and processes radiographs accurately and as needed.
• Treats patients with respect and assists in prevention and dental care not requiring the expertise of the dentist.
• Calls hygiene patients to remind them of their appointment times.
• Appropriately documents services rendered in patient charts.
• Develops oral hygiene plans.
• Assists the dentist as required; performs other duties as assigned.
• Performs related tasks and other duties as requested or required.
• Upholds, complies with, and enforces the Core Principles and Code of Conduct