Dental Hygienist  

The Dental Hygienistworks closely with patients to maintain overall oral hygiene and provides oral health education for adults and children. This vital role within the clinic works closely with dentists and other support staff to attend to the oral health needs of a variety of patient, including children and adults. The Dental Hygienist evaluates the overall oral health by performing patient specific hygiene assessment, develops dental hygiene care plans for each patient, and helps parents engage children in routine care activities. A primary focus for parents and children is prevention of future disease and decay. Activities include cleanings, hygiene instruction, charting conditions of tooth and gum disease, and consulting with dentists regarding overall treatment needs. Must be a Registered Dental Hygienist.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This position complies with the duties of RDH/RDHEF as defined by the present by-laws of the California Board of Dental Examiners.
• Evaluates overall oral health.
• Makes impressions for study casts.
• Make impressions for study casts
• Expose and develop x-ray film
• Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist
• Examine gums for signs of disease
• Feel lymph nodes under patient's chin to detect swelling/tenderness
• Clean calculus deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth
• Adhere to established safety and heath protocols
• Place Sealants
• Anesthetize Patients with local anesthetic
• Dental hygiene assessment, development, planning and implementation of a dental hygiene care plan.
• Oral health education, counseling and health screenings.
• Adherence to ODCHC attendance policy.
• Other duties and responsibilities as designated by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Works closely with dentists and other health care professionals to provide quality patient care.
• Communicate effectively with patients as educator and advocate; partnering with dentist to support evidence-based dentistry.
• Communicate recommendations that are consistent with each patient’s needs and abilities.
•  Must be able to communicate in a professional manner.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Dental Assistant degree or two or more years of dental assisting experience.

• Registered Dental Hygiene license is required. Must become certified in all expanded functions within the first year of employment in accordance with State law. The Dental Hygienist is responsible for maintaining current licensure at all times

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

NONE

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Speaking and hearing sufficient to communicate effectively by phone or in person, at normal volumes.

• Vision adequate to read correspondence, computer screen, forms, etc.

• Good manual dexterity.

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

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