DENTAL HYGIENIST

Description

I. BASIC FUNCTION:

Provides dental prophylaxis to patients and educates patients about the need for proper oral hygiene care, as well as, 

assists the Dentist in the delivery of other oral health services in accordance with Missouri Dental Board Dental 

Practice Act and Rules ~ State of Missouri.

All employees of FCHC must ensure service standards are delivered, including:

FCHC Core

•  Demonstrates a commitment to FCHC mission and vision.
•  Demonstrates a positive attitude towards patients, employees, role, and the health center. 
•  Demonstrates FCHC core values (accountability, courtesy, excellence, flexibility, integrity, respect).

Customer Service and Professionalism

•  Smiles and makes appropriate contact, greets individuals upon entry into building and space.
•  Is customer service oriented to both internal (colleagues) and external (patients, clients, vendors, etc.)

Customers. Treats patients, customers and colleagues with dignity and respect.

•  Provides timely response to requests, tasks, and inquiries. Demonstrates good service turnaround. 
•  Demonstrates good communication skills and communicates in a tactful manner.
•  Exhibits conflict resolution skills in order to foster effective working relationships and embraces a team approach.
•  Adheres to FCHC’s dress code policies. Employee appearance and grooming appropriate. 

Show(s)

•  Consistently shows commitment to position and team performance (i.e., attendance and punctuality).
•  Consideration and acceptance of cultural differences of others; works well with individuals of diversebackgrounds, supporting a culture of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
•  Participates in training and professional development and completes required trainings in a timely manner.

Safety

•  Adheres to and promotes a culture of safety and cleanliness.
•  Adheres to HIPPA/Confidentiality standards.
•  Respectful of FCHC property, properly and safely uses Health Center Equipment.

II. INTRADEPARTMENTAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Department Officer: Chief Dental Officer and/or Interim Chief Dental Officer

Reports to: Chief Dental Officer and/or Interim Chief Dental Officer and/or Associate Dental Director

and/or Dental Program Manager

Supervises: None

JOB DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT: DENTAL SERVICES

JOB TITLE: DENTAL HYGIENIST

DENTAL HYGIENIST

III. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Greets patients and escorts to treatment area.
2. Performs dental prophylaxis through cleaning, scaling and polishing of teeth and restorations.
3. Exposes various x-ray films, as directed.
4. Provides instruction to patients on appropriate or needed oral hygiene care based on the evaluation of each patient. Instructs patients in diet and nutrition for dental health.
5. Applies topical fluoride and any prescribed topical medicament, antiseptic sprays and rinses.
6. Assists other staff members in assuring that treatment areas are kept clean and sanitized.
7. Determines appropriate time interval between cleanings based on evaluation of each patient and assists with future scheduling of patients. 
8. Applies pit and fissure sealants to sound teeth as treatment planned by Dentist. 
9. Maintains the physical condition of the clinical area and dental equipment and instruments used. 
10. Maintains Universal Precautions. 
11. Performs initial examination of teeth and tissue for carious lesions, periodontal pockets and other abnormal conditions. Informs Dentist of any problems. 
12. Assists dental providers in treatments, diagnostic exams etc. as needed. 
13. Coordinates patient recall system.
14. Maintains records and statistical data as assigned.
15. Computer use and knowledge.
16. Maintains CPR Certification, continuing education requirements for/and licensure.
17. Monitors procedures such as preliminary review of the patient’s health history, dental charting, oral analysis, and taking and recording blood pressure and other vital signs.
18. Removes plaque and calculus from above and below the gumline.
19. Performs other duties as assigned and within the scope of practice facility in accordance with the State of 

Missouri Dental Board Dental Practice Act and Rules.

DENTAL HYGIENIST

IV. PERIODIC DUTIES:

1. Participates in Health Center staff problem solving groups.
2. Attends and participates in department meetings, etc.
3. Performs other duties as assigned.

V. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Inside Health Center: All inclusive.

Outside Health Center: Patients/Clients, students, vendors, community health agencies, and visitors, etc.

VI. QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Graduate from a nationally accredited school of Dental Hygiene required.
2. License to practice in the State of Missouri and in good standing required.
3. Previous training and/or experience as a Dental Assistant (Certified or expanded duties) desirable.
4. One or more years successful work experience as Dental Hygienist preferred.
5. Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) or Licensed Dental Hygienist (LDH) in the State of Missouri required.

VII. CONTINUED EDUCATION:

As required by the State of Missouri Dental Board Dental Practice Act and Rules.