What are the responsibilities and job description for the DENTAL HYGIENIST position at CVHS HEALTH SERVICES?
Job Details
Description
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Prepares treatment room for patient by adhering to prescribed procedures and protocols.
Collect medical and dental histories from patients
Chart dental conditions based on dentist’s observations and evaluations
Instruct patients of all ages on proper dental hygiene and care
Take x-rays of patients’ teeth and develop them for dentist’s use
Provide chair-side assistance during dental procedures
Maintains instrumentation for dental hygiene treatment by sharpening, sterilizing, and selecting instruments.
Completes dental prophylaxis by cleaning deposits and stains from teeth and from beneath gum margins.
Detects disease by completing oral cancer screening; feeling and visually examining gums; using probes to locate periodontal disease and to assess levels of recession; exposing and developing radiographic studies.
Applies fluorides and other cavity- preventing agents
Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drugs and oxygen supply, and directory of emergency numbers
Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations
Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols
Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements
Maintains dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies
Performs other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Must demonstrate excellent oral and written skills.
Knowledge of Dental Technology, Dental Health Maintenance, Infection Control, Health Promotion and Maintenance
Must be able to work independently
Takes initiative
Respects and understand HIPAA requirements with regards to patient confidentiality.
Ability to communicate with and relate to people of different cultures, particularly those with poor socio-economic backgrounds
Demonstrates competence for the essential job functions
Education, Training and Qualifications
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Associate’s degree from an accredited hygiene program
State hygiene license
Current CPR certification
Ability to use an x-ray machine