Dental Hygienist - RDH MDI

Suncoast Community Health Centers•Ruskin, FL

About The Position

POSITION TITLE: DENTAL HYGIENIST - Integrated Medical/Dental (RDH-MDI) FLSA: EXEMPT Duties/Responsibilities: Perform comprehensive oral exams to evaluate oral health and hygiene status. Provide patient education on effective oral hygiene practices and the importance of preventive care. Tailor individualized oral care plans to meet each patient's specific needs. Carry out scaling, root planing, and polishing procedures. Administer treatments, including fluoride applications and sealants, to enhance oral health. Take and analyze X-rays to help detect dental conditions and inform treatment strategies. Collaborate with dentists and healthcare providers to design integrated, multidisciplinary care plans. Coordinate with medical teams to ensure safe and effective dental treatment for patients with complex medical conditions. Educate patients about the link between oral health and overall wellness, such as the role of gum health in heart disease prevention. Keep meticulous, accurate patient records and document assessments, treatment plans, and follow-up care. Engage in community outreach and wellness programs to raise oral health awareness. Stay updated on current dental hygiene research and best practices in integrated care. Advocate for patients' oral health needs within the healthcare system. Comply with all regulatory standards for patient records. Collaborate with medical and dental providers to assess children's oral health, including evaluations for oral pathology. Offer nutritional counseling and oral hygiene guidance to both children and their parents. Provide toothbrush prophylaxis, dental polishing, and sealant applications as time allows. Administer topical fluoride applications. Perform full-mouth debridement (FMD), scaling in the presence of gingivitis, scaling and root planing (SRP), X-rays, and other hygienist duties when supporting dental clinics. Clean and sterilize instruments, and ensure upkeep and sanitation of equipment and treatment areas. Support improved access to urgent care and facilitate patient referrals to the dental clinic. Perform additional tasks as needed to support the centers.

Requirements

Proficient in dental software, electronic medical record (EMR) systems, digital imaging, and modern dental tools and technology.
Knowledgeable in HIPAA, OSHA, and dental care regulations, with strong commitment to compliance.
Open to continuous learning and skilled at adapting to new technologies, techniques, and procedures.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for rapport building with patients and teamwork with healthcare providers.
Strong patient advocacy and educational abilities, skilled in explaining oral health information clearly and offering preventive care guidance.
Experienced in performing cleanings, scaling, root planing, polishing, fluoride treatments, and sealants.
Competent in X-ray processing and interpretation, dental instrument management, sterilization, and clinic hygiene.
Excellent verbal, written, and organizational skills, with attention to detail, time management, and problem solving.
Ability to interpret complex program instructions and understand Florida laws.
Must be able to effectively manage workflow and maintain high-quality standards in environments where staffing levels may be below ideal, demonstrating the ability to prioritize tasks and collaborate with the team under pressure
Capable of prioritizing tasks, managing stress, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and related software.
Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited institution is required.
Valid Florida Dental Hygiene License.
At least 3 years of experience in dental hygiene.
BLS required
Local anesthesia certification is required.
Precise hand control and steady movements to handle dental instruments effectively.
Ability to sit or stand for long periods while performing patient care.
Sufficient strength to operate dental tools and apply necessary pressure during treatments.
Sharp vision for examining details in patients' mouths, with or without corrective lenses.
Mobility to move between treatment rooms, adjust equipment, and assist patients.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds (or 15 pounds in office settings) for equipment or supplies.
Compliance with infection control protocols, including PPE usage (masks, gloves, eye protection).
Capacity to manage workflow, prioritize tasks, and maintain quality under staffing constraints.
Fine manipulation skills for frequent use of office and dental equipment, including computers.
Must be able to travel to various center locations as required.

Responsibilities

Perform comprehensive oral exams to evaluate oral health and hygiene status.
Provide patient education on effective oral hygiene practices and the importance of preventive care.
Tailor individualized oral care plans to meet each patient's specific needs.
Carry out scaling, root planing, and polishing procedures.
Administer treatments, including fluoride applications and sealants, to enhance oral health.
Take and analyze X-rays to help detect dental conditions and inform treatment strategies.
Collaborate with dentists and healthcare providers to design integrated, multidisciplinary care plans.
Coordinate with medical teams to ensure safe and effective dental treatment for patients with complex medical conditions.
Educate patients about the link between oral health and overall wellness, such as the role of gum health in heart disease prevention.
Keep meticulous, accurate patient records and document assessments, treatment plans, and follow-up care.
Engage in community outreach and wellness programs to raise oral health awareness.
Stay updated on current dental hygiene research and best practices in integrated care.
Advocate for patients' oral health needs within the healthcare system.
Comply with all regulatory standards for patient records.
Collaborate with medical and dental providers to assess children's oral health, including evaluations for oral pathology.
Offer nutritional counseling and oral hygiene guidance to both children and their parents.
Provide toothbrush prophylaxis, dental polishing, and sealant applications as time allows.
Administer topical fluoride applications.
Perform full-mouth debridement (FMD), scaling in the presence of gingivitis, scaling and root planing (SRP), X-rays, and other hygienist duties when supporting dental clinics.
Clean and sterilize instruments, and ensure upkeep and sanitation of equipment and treatment areas.
Support improved access to urgent care and facilitate patient referrals to the dental clinic.
Perform additional tasks as needed to support the centers.