JOB SUMMARY

The Dental Hygienist is responsible for the direct provision of oral hygiene and appropriate preventive services to dental patients of NorthShore Health Centers. The Dental Hygienist will also be responsible for providing appropriate oral health information to patients and maintaining accurate dental histories. Following precise OSHA guidelines, the Dental Hygienist will assist with operatory and laboratory upkeep.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assists the dentist in performing examinations of teeth and surrounding tissue.
• Cleans calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums.
• Feels lymph nodes under patient's chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate presence of oral cancer.
• Examines gums to locate periodontal recessed gums and records periodontal probing depths for the diagnosis of gum disease.
• Applies fluorides and other cavity preventing agents to arrest dental decay.
• Administer Local Anesthesia
• Reviews and updates patient medical and dental histories.
• Charts conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
• Ensures that dental records are confidentially maintained at all times, according to NorthShore HIPAA policy guidelines.
• Confirms patient’s appointments during down time and sends patient appointment reminder post cards.
• Exposes and develops x-ray film.
• Provides clinical services and health education to improve and maintain oral health of school children.
• Conducts dental health clinics for community groups to augment services of dentist.
• Educates patients about dental diseases, nutrition and proper dental care.
• Adheres to the NorthShore Health Centers dental infection control polices, procedures, and protocols.
• Attends meetings and training sessions as required by NorthShore and in accordance with the State of Indiana to maintain dental hygiene licensure.
• Executes other verbal or written specific assigned tasks, requiring similar or lesser skills and abilities, some of which are continuing while others are occasional in nature.
• Schedule follow-up visit(s) as required, using appropriate scheduling template guidelines.

*This job description is not an all-inclusive list of functions and tasks. Over the length of employment these functions and tasks may change.

Diversity Statement
NorthShore Health Centers celebrates and supports the diversity of its workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.