Requires extensive knowledge in dental hygiene. Requires knowledge of medical problems/diagnosis that may necessitate antibiotic pre-medication. Requires detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the mouth and teeth and the ability to use various instruments and cleaning compounds in the delivery of dental prophylaxis. Requires ability to recognize the need for various x-ray's for review by the dentist. Requires excellent interpersonal skills. Requires excellent skills in handling apprehensive or difficult to manage children who are present for dental examination and prophylaxis
Essential Functions
Dental Prophylaxis:
Performs dental prophylaxis through the cleaning, scaling and polishing of teeth and restorations. Performs initial examination of teeth and tissue for carious lesions, periodontal pockets and other abnormal conditions. Informs dentist of any problems.
Radiographic Skills:
Takes digital dental x-rays including panoramic and bitewings.
Education:
Provides instruction to patients on appropriate or needed oral hygiene care based on the evaluation of each patient. Instructs patient in diet and nutrition for dental health.
Fluoride Treatment:
Applies topical fluoride and any prescribed topical medicant, antiseptic sprays or rinses.
Scheduling:
Determines appropriate time interval between cleanings based on evaluation of each patient, and assists with future scheduling of patient.
Record keeping:
Completes and assists dentists with chart forms completion: charge tickets, recall cards, consents and other tasks as requested.
Sterile Technique:
Sterilizes instruments and equipment through central decontamination. Keep operatory clean and sterile as required. Follows regulatory and department sterilization guidelines while treating patients.
Physical Accountabilities:
Works mainly inside in a normal dental office environment. Able to be involved in varying degrees of prolonged standing, walking, sitting, bending, squatting, and stooping; as well as abilities of repeated bending, stooping and squatting. Able to lift, push, and/or pull equipment, light to moderately heavy weight is a necessary function of this position. Must be able to position and move patients following safety standards. Able to perform duties during periods of varied and/or prolonged work hours. Will be exposed to all patient elements. Must have good eyesight with or without correction (20/30). Must be able to read, write, hear, and communicate effectively in the English language by both orally and written.
The preceding essential function statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of tasks and functions for this position. Job descriptions provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents. Other tasks and functions may be assigned as needed to fulfill the mission of the organization.
QUALIFICATIONS/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
Requires graduation from an accredited school of dental hygiene (usually representing years of college) and license to practice in the State of Indiana. CPR certification
Requires extensive knowledge in dental hygiene. Local Anesthetic preferred.
Requires knowledge of medical problems/diagnosis that may necessitate antibiotic pre-medication.
Requires detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the mouth and teeth and the ability to use various instruments and cleaning compounds in the delivery of dental prophylaxis.
Requires ability to recognize the need for various x-ray's for review by the dentist.
Requires excellent interpersonal skills.
Requires excellent skills in handling apprehensive or difficult to manage children who are present for dental examination and prophylaxis.
Requires ability to work independently.
Requires strong organization skills.
Self-directed/Self-motivated.
High degree of professionalism.
Ability to interact within a large team.
Requires ability to work with compromised patients.
EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE:
The Dental Hygienist will receive annual performance evaluations that rate job performance in accordance with HealthNet vision, mission, policies and procedures. The evaluations may include, but not be limited to, performance of many of the specific skills and abilities noted above. The Dental Hygienist is expected to present an exemplary professional image; maintain a positive attitude toward work and HealthNet; display a willingness to accept and complete assigned job responsibilities and duties; demonstrate the ability to independently exercise judgment, supervise staff if applicable, and complete all phases of assigned tasks or projects; and serve as a positive role model for other HealthNet staff.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
HealthNet is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.