Dental Hygienist

Position Summary

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Registered Dental Hygienist to join our dental team. The RDH will play a vital role in providing exceptional preventive oral care to our patients, educating them on good oral hygiene practices, and supporting the overall clinical team to enhance patient experiences. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, personable, and committed to improving patient oral health outcomes.

Duties & Responsibilities

      Patient Care:

• Perform thorough dental cleanings, scaling, and root planing to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth.
• Conduct patient screenings for oral diseases, including periodontal exams and oral cancer screenings.
• Take, develop, and review digital x-rays and other diagnostic images.
• Assist the dentist with patient examinations and perform adjunctive procedures as directed.

      Patient Education:

• Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, including brushing, flossing, and diet to maintain optimal oral health.
• Offer guidance on dental products and provide advice on preventive dental care.
• Customize education based on individual patient needs and medical histories.

       Clinical Support:

• Maintain accurate and thorough patient records, documenting all relevant information in patient charts.
• Follow OSHA and HIPAA guidelines to ensure a safe and secure clinical environment.
• Order and manage dental hygiene supplies as needed to ensure efficient operation.
• In compliance with disinfection and sterilization policies and procedures to ensure all medical equipment, devices, and surfaces are properly disinfected and sterilized according to established protocols.
• In compliance with infection control policies and procedures, participate actively in infection prevention and control activities, including surveillance, reporting, and responding to infection risks.
• Maintains a clean and sanitary environment in patient care areas to prevent the spread of infections.

      Team Collaboration:

• Work closely with dentists and other team members to provide cohesive, high-quality care.
• Communicate patient findings to the dentist and collaborate on treatment plans when necessary.
• Engage in continuing education and stay current on new techniques, treatments, and products in dental hygiene.

Education and/or Experience

• Licensure: Active and valid Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) license in the state of Michigan
• Education: Completion of an accredited dental hygiene program, associate, or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene
• Local anesthesia certification required.
• At least 2yrs experience working in a dental office required.

Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Strong clinical skills in preventive care, scaling, and root planing.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to educate and reassure patients.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Technology friendly and knowledge of Dentrix is preferred.
•  Ensures that communication with staff, patients, and external contacts occurs with courtesy, tact, and a positive attitude.
• Effectively communicates verbally with patients.
• Able to evaluate patient's response to care through observation.
• Professionally handles patient complaints.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all matters.
• Flexible, with the ability to work independently and with minimal guidance. 
• General computer proficiency.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse population.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. 
• The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. 
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Specific vision requirements include the ability to see at close range.
• Fine hand manipulation using dental instruments.
• Ability to type 40 wpm and use the telephone and computers.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

• Workspace located in the clinical area. 
• May be exposed to communicable diseases.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.