DENTAL HYGIENIST-ECMC

The work involves assisting dentists in examinations and performing prophylactic work on patients in a dental clinic at the Erie County Medical Center Corporation.  The incumbents assist in rendering oral hygiene services including evaluation of oral and general health and dental care education and assists in operative and surgical cases and other dental procedures. Work is performed under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

Measures vital signs, reviews medical history and medical charts and charts soft tissue examinations;

Prepares clinic for oral examinations; assembles, arranges and sterilizes equipment; secures records and arranges appointments;

Examines patients' teeth for evidence of dental disease and deviations from normal and recommends dental treatment; charts cavities and prepares records;

Scales and polishes patients' teeth; removes stains by applying rotating brush; applies medicine to gums; administers sodium fluoride treatment;

Advises patients on proper diet, care and proper brushing of teeth; discusses oral hygiene of children with parents by phone, clinic or home visits, for follow-up care;

Gives group lectures in dental hygiene, prepares lesson outlines and lectures for  school children, parents and nurses using posters, slides, models or motion pictures;

Conducts toothbrush drills to train children in correct method of brushing teeth;

Compiles and prepares follow-records, defect notices, monthly reports for the Health Department and statistical data for State Sodium Fluoride Programs;

Attends regular meetings on dental hygiene;

Places and removes dam and matrix bands, makes alginate impressions and uses a sphygmomanometer.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of principles, procedures, terminology and equipment as they apply to dental services; good knowledge of nutrition as related to dental hygiene; ability to perform dental hygiene examinations and procedures; ability to provide recommendations on proper dental care and forms of treatment; ability to maintain dental charts and records; ability to prepare detailed reports; ability to read and interpret medical histories and medical charts; ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse constituency; sound professional judgment; ability to utilize a variety of electronic software applications; capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Possession of a license or limited permit to practice as a Dental Hygienist as issued by the New York State Department of Education at time of appointment and maintenance throughout duration of appointment;

Possession of a license to practice as a Dental Hygienist as issued by the New York State Department of Education within six (6) months of initial appointment and maintenance throughout duration of appointment.

NOTE: Verifiable part-time and/or volunteer experience will be pro-rated toward meeting full-time experience requirements.