Dental Hygenist

Job Summary

The Dental Hygienist I is responsible for providing preventive oral healthcare services, patient education, and clinical dental hygiene treatments. This role performs dental cleanings, periodontal therapy, radiographs, oral health assessments, and infection control procedures while ensuring compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, and Massachusetts state licensing requirements. The Dental Hygienist collaborates with the dental team to promote optimal oral health and deliver high-quality patient care.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform dental prophylaxis (cleanings), scaling, and root planing.
• Administer local anesthesia and therapeutic agents as permitted.
• Take and process dental radiographs.
• Conduct periodontal assessments, oral cancer screenings, and chart clinical findings.
• Review and update patient medical histories and obtain medical clearances when necessary.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene, preventive care, nutrition, brushing, and flossing techniques.
• Review treatment plans and reinforce home care instructions.
• Maintain OSHA infection control standards, sterilize instruments, and disinfect operatories.
• Set up and break down treatment rooms before and after patient visits.
• Adhere to HIPAA regulations and maintain patient confidentiality.
• Practice universal precautions and ensure a safe clinical environment.

Required Qualifications

• Vocational, Technical, or Associate's Degree in Dental Hygiene.
• 1–3 years of dental hygiene experience.
• Active Massachusetts Dental Hygienist License.
• Current CPR/BLS certification (if required by facility).
• Knowledge of OSHA, HIPAA, infection control, and sterilization protocols.
• Strong patient education and communication skills.

Required Certifications & Compliance

• Active Massachusetts Dental Hygienist License.
• Proof of immunity/documentation for:
• • MMR
  • Hepatitis B
  • Varicella
  • Tdap (since 2005)
  • Annual TB test documentation

Required Skills

• Dental prophylaxis
• Scaling & Root Planing (SRP)
• Local anesthesia administration
• Dental radiography
• Periodontal charting
• Oral cancer screening
• Infection control & sterilization
• Patient education
• HIPAA compliance
• OSHA standards
• Electronic Dental Records (EDR)
• Clinical documentation

Buckeye Global IT Inc, one of the fastest-growing IT and Healthcare staffing and services firm in the nation specializing in staff augmentation for an end-to-end Enterprise IT Solutions.