Dental Hygienist

Position Summary:

Performs professional work in examination and diagnosis of tooth decay and periodontal disease; provide patient education, disease prevention services and non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease, under the general supervision of staff dentists and under the direction of the Dental Director.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Oral examination and diagnosis of caries and periodontal diseases.


• Provide consultation regarding oral status and treatment needs to patients. This includes making patients aware of their financial obligation when applicable.


• Provide patient education regarding healing and prevention of oral disease, and preventive treatment as indicated.


• Provide non-surgical periodontal treatment of patients. Under the general supervision of Sage dentists. This includes administration of local anesthesia if hygienist is certified.


• Responsible for complete and accurate documentation of patient’s diagnosis and treatment performed by hygienist according to QAI Standards and Standards of Care.


• Participate in school dental programs.


• Assist in training of dental assistants.


• Hygienist may be required to take x-rays, set up, and tear down operatory for hygiene patients.


• Participate in and attend in-service/educational programs seeking to improve seeking to prove and/or learn job-related skills.


• Present in-service to staff as appropriate.


• Meet and comply with standards of NHF Personnel Manual.


• Maintain confidentiality at all times.


• Participate in dental education programs as necessary.


• Participate in NHF and community functions as requested.


• Assume responsibility for coordinating and overseeing one or more dental committee and/or area of compliance and/or membership in one or more Hospital Committees.


• Attend medical staff meetings and appropriate committee meetings.


• Work in compliance with Hazard Communication Standards, Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, and Hospital Safety Standards.


• Employee may be asked to perform other duties not detailed in this job description.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:

• Working knowledge of current practices of oral diagnosis of caries and oral diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease.


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patient and personnel of the care team.


• Complete recommended hours of continuing education every 3 years as required to keep Arizona Dental Hygiene License current.


• Ability to speak the Navajo language and/or familiarity with the Navajo Way preferred.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to walk, stoop, lean forward, sit for extended periods of time; use hands to feel, handle various instruments; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee may occasionally be required to lift and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in a climate-controlled setting with a moderate noise level. Employees will be exposed to blood borne pathogens. Normal scheduled hours of work are 7:30 am to 6:00 pm either Monday-Thursday (A Team) or Tuesday-Friday (B Team); however, other shifts may be necessary.