Dental Hygienist

Sulzbacher Center•Jacksonville, FL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Hygienist helps promote dental health by completing dental prophylaxis, providing oral cancer screening and radiographic studies, charting conditions of decay and disease, and performing teeth and gum cleaning procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist and in compliance with the dental practice act. He/she may also perform a variety of administrative tasks as requested by the Director, Dental Services. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direct supervision of a dentist, the Dental Hygienist performs patient screening procedures, such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection, and vital signs Feels and visually examines gums for sores and signs of disease Takes and develops dental x-rays Cleans calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums Applies preventative materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants and fluorides) Makes impressions of patients’ teeth study casts when required Teaches patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies/practices to maintain oral health (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing, nutritional counseling) May provide clinical services and health education to improve and maintain oral health Completes all relevant charting, documentation and follow-up. Maintains patient-related paperwork, including federal and state mandated forms, patient diagnostic records and progress notes Participates in quality assurance/improvement and risk management efforts Participates in all appropriate team meetings and required training sessions Participates in other clinical or administrative projects as assigned by the Director, Dental Services RESIDENT, GUEST AND INTERNAL CUSTOMER FOCUS The Dental Hygienist is sensitive to cultural, spiritual and practical needs of resident, families, guests and staff members in all interactions. He/she provides positive feedback and comments about the quality of work and effort that have been offered by patients, residents, families and coworkers, and adjusts priorities and schedules to meet specific customer needs. The Hygienist reports and/or corrects problems related to safety, cleanliness and comfort of resident, patient and work areas, and follows Universal Precautions and Infection Control techniques. He/she demonstrates an understanding of their role in facility safety plans and procedures related to fire, weather and other disasters.

Requirements

Current Florida/NERB Dental Hygiene License
Associate Degree required
Minimum of 1 year experience
Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instruments
Excellent understanding of overall dentistry and dental hygienist procedures and protocols
Superior communication and patient care skills
Knowledge of dental patient screening and medical history documentation
Ability to pass a Level II Background Screening
Transportation and valid driver’s license
Physically able to work in a fast paced environment
Able to travel locally
Must be able to lift 20 pounds

Nice To Haves

Dentrix computer experience a plus

Responsibilities

Performs patient screening procedures, such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection, and vital signs
Feels and visually examines gums for sores and signs of disease
Takes and develops dental x-rays
Cleans calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums
Applies preventative materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants and fluorides)
Makes impressions of patients’ teeth study casts when required
Teaches patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies/practices to maintain oral health (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing, nutritional counseling)
May provide clinical services and health education to improve and maintain oral health
Completes all relevant charting, documentation and follow-up.
Maintains patient-related paperwork, including federal and state mandated forms, patient diagnostic records and progress notes
Participates in quality assurance/improvement and risk management efforts
Participates in all appropriate team meetings and required training sessions
Participates in other clinical or administrative projects as assigned by the Director, Dental Services
Reports and/or corrects problems related to safety, cleanliness and comfort of resident, patient and work areas, and follows Universal Precautions and Infection Control techniques.