ROLE OVERVIEW and PURPOSE

The Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) improves the oral health of patients through the delivery of professional high-quality dental hygiene care and associated services. This role will perform broad responsibilities for clinic and community dental health education activities. Additionally, this role will support the dental team in a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties.

* Addition sites for coverage: Lakeside & Valley Center*

RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Care

* Provides periodontal therapies and other dental hygiene related services to patients

* Assesses patient dental conditions and needs using approved patient screening procedures, including medical/dental history review, chief complaints, dental charting, and periodontal charting

* Evaluates overall oral health by examining oral cavity for signs of periodontal diseases, such as recessed or bleeding gums, and oral lesions

* Documents and reports pertinent observations and patient reactions to dentists

* Exposes, processes, and mounts radiograph films

* Follows through with oral hygiene procedures in accordance with treatment plans prescribed by the attending dentist, including prophylaxis, periodontal scaling, root planning, debridement, supra/subgingival scaling and curettage, fluoride treatments, and protective sealants

* Assists with or initiates emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment of patients

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

Clinical Operations Support & Compliance

* Enhances the efficiency of the clinic by performing expanded duties as allowable by law and directed by the dentist

* Documents lab procedures and ensures follow up on results

* Ensures direct patient care is delivered using established dental hygiene procedures

* Ensures all tasks provided and associated with patient care, patient administrative processes, and related duties comply with all regulatory/accreditation standards and clinic policies and procedures

* Manages and maintains patient records and related administrative documentation to ensure all records and related documentation are consistent with all HIPM and related regulations and requirements

* Utilizes the requisite tools, systems, technology, and equipment in the collection of patient data, records management, and collections

* Manages the dental office infection control plan to meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Center for Disease Control (CDC), and American Dental Association (ADA) standards

* Ensures compliance and attention to all corporate policies and procedures

* Maintains state license through continuing education, as required

Customer & Community Relations

* Ensures positive experiences for all patients, including treating patients with care and compassion

* Assists patients to feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment

* Develops favorable relationships with all patients by interacting positively to provide information and education about oral hygiene

* Interacts positively with a diverse, sometimes difficult, and demanding patient population

* Handles and resolves patient concerns with enthusiasm and empathy

* Establishes professional and favorable working relationships with all staff members associated with clinic operations, including patient services representatives, dental assistants, dentists, and related staff

* Cooperates with the team in accomplishing department goals and objectives

* Conducts dental health clinics for community groups to augment services of dentists

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

* High school/GED required

* Valid California Registered Dental Hygienist License required

* Valid CPR and radiation safety certifications required

* One-year dental hygienist experience in a dental office required

* Valid certification to administer local anesthesia is preferred

* Experience working in a FQHC setting preferred

* Bilingual (English/Spanish) required by site

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including superior composition, typing and proofreading skills

* Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form

* Knowledgeable about and experience with performing a full range of established dental hygienist protocols/procedures

* Knowledgeable about and experience with dental practices and procedures

* Knowledge about and experience with using dental devices and equipment

* Ability to provide direct patient services and successfully manage difficult patient situations

* Knowledge about and experience with dental practices and procedures, including clinic infection control procedures, cleaning/sterilizing instruments, tray setup and materials

* Knowledge about and experience with establishing oral hygiene concepts and periodontal therapies

* Ability to independently assess the nature and extent of dental disease, associated conditions and pathology in dental patients

* Ability to analyze medical records and prescribed protocols to formulate effective therapeutic treatment plans

* Knowledge about and experience with dental surgeries and associated procedures, terminology, and techniques

* Ability to set-up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines

* Knowledge of patient screening, charting and medical history procedures and documentation. Knowledge of patient admission, triage, transfer and discharge procedures and documentation.

* Knowledge about and experience with federal, state, and institutional regulations and guidelines for the provision of dental outpatient services.

* Ability to successfully manage multiple tasks simultaneously

* Excellent planning and organizational ability

* Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently

* Ability to work with highly confidential information in a professional and ethical manner

Neighborhood Healthcare requires employees to be fully vaccinated (including a booster dose) against COVID-1 and demonstrate proof of vaccination/booster upon hire or receive approval for an exemption based on a medical reason, disability or religious belief. Proof of booster dose will be contingent upon booster eligibility.

Pay Range: $46.31 to $56.60 per hour, depending on experience.