GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Work in this class involves developing and conducting dental health education programs for the public, or assisting in the training of dental hygiene and assistant students. Employees also perform technical dental work not requiring the expertise of a dentist, such as dental examinations, prophylaxis, and the application of preventive procedures.

In this dental health education role, the dental hygienist may perform the following duties under the general supervision of a licensed dentist: assists in the planning and operation of school dental health programs; serves as a consultant in dental health for public health personnel, school personnel, civic groups, and others; plans and conducts in-service training programs in dental health, including field experience for student dental hygienist; evaluates, develops, and distributes dental health educational materials; plans and conducts instructional programs of dental health for school children; performs oral examination of patients and students and makes referrals to dentist if special professional care is indicated; performs dental prophylaxis and applies topical fluorides; records findings and maintains records on dental status and services rendered to school children and patients.

I. DIFFICULTY OF WORK
Complexity - Work assignments are varied and require the application of principles of a discipline other than dental hygiene. In addition to a considerable knowledge of the techniques and practices of dental hygiene, this level of work requires knowledge of educational theory and techniques in preparing and disseminating dental health educational information.

Guidelines - These include established technical procedures, office protocols, and available journals and textbooks. Guidelines apply to most work situations.

II. RESPONSIBILITY
Accountability - Employees have considerable opportunity to represent the agency due to contacts with students, teachers, school officials, community and civic groups, and others in teaching.

Consequence of Action - The employees' actions, i.e. treatments and screening, could result in minor discomfort to the patient population served.

Review - Work is reviewed periodically by the dentist while in progress, and always upon completion through observation, records, and reports. Legally, the dentist must review the chairside work of the hygienist upon completion.

III. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS
Subject Matter - Type of patient and work setting varies the information and the way it is presented. Primary content centers on instructions to elementary school students in the proper use of the toothbrush and floss, general oral hygiene, and nutrition education, or precepting students.

Purpose - Employees must encourage and assist in motivating elementary school children and other patients to practice good dental hygiene, or teach others.

IV. WORK ENVIRONMENT
Nature of Working Conditions - Majority of time is spent in an agreeable setting with mild personal inconvenience and stressful situations such as driving. Work location is usually in a classroom of an elementary school or dental clinic. Conditions in dental clinic may be crowded and/or noisy. Work with mentally retarded patients is quite disagreeable and stressful.

Nature and Potential of Personal Hazards - Bodily injury is likely in work with mentally retarded clients. Employee subjected to disease from school children. Brief periods of mild discomfort may result.

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of dental hygiene.
• General knowledge of educational theory and techniques in the field of dental health.
• General knowledge of display techniques and skill in the arrangement and operation of visual aids.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques in developing and disseminating dental health educational information to the public.
• Ability to work effectively with people on all educational levels.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with local school boards, civic groups, local dental society, and other community agencies and the public.
• Ability to speak effectively and stimulate interest and cooperation among various groups in carrying out a program in dental health education.

Evaluates the dental health of patients in the dental clinic or a school based/portable dental setting with emphasis on children and pregnant women. Provides prophylaxis, scaling/root planning, and oral hygiene instructions to patients and parents at an age appropriate level. Represents the department at Regional Oral Health Team meetings and coordinates all State Oral Health sponsored activities which may include such activities as hosting a Sealant Project or Fluoride Mouth Rinse program in qualifying schools, working with the community and medical providers to promote "Into the Mouths of Babes" and "Into the Mouths of Moms' programs and partnering with other providers to expand Carolina Dental Home.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in dental hygiene; or graduation from an approved two-year program of dental hygiene and two years of experience in dental hygiene or health education.

Necessary Special Qualification

Licensed to practice as a dental hygienist in North Carolina and on good terms with the state.

May Require Driving 
This position may require driving for this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, or any other county related functions. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria.
If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy.
Special Note

This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job questionnaire with a physical abilities checklist which gives further details, especially specific job requirements applicable for that position. These documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal and defensible personnel decisions.