Dental Hygienist

Ingham County•Lansing, MI

31d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Dental Director and Community Health Center Manager, this role conducts oral examinations, serves as a preventative care specialist, and provides educational, clinical, and therapeutic services to promote optimal oral health. The position focuses on preventing oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontal disease.

Requirements

Possession of an Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene from a school accredited by the American Dental Association.
One year of experience as a Dental Hygienist.
Must be certified in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide.
Demonstrates effective communication skills by engaging, interacting, and working with all individuals to ensure clarity and understanding in all interactions.
Ability to perform physical movements specific to dental hygiene, including repetitive actions required for scaling and polishing of teeth.
Ability to deal with the visual restraints of working in the oral cavity.

Nice To Haves

Experience with patient behavioral management.

Responsibilities

Reviews charts and updates medical histories.
Provides services according to guidelines set by the dentist and instructions from the patient’s personal physician.
Records treatment performed and treatment plan prescribed by the dentist.
Examines the mouth to conduct initial soft tissue examination, including oral cancer screening, to identify dental problems such as periodontal disease or tooth decay.
Exposes and processes dental x-rays and alerts the dentist to observations.
Performs oral prophylaxis on patients, scaling and polishing teeth to remove stains, plaque, and calculus.
Applies cavity prevention agents such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants, which can be performed in the Dental Health Center or on the Mobile Dental Center.
Maintains accurate medical/dental records and documentation on each patient’s chart.
Educates patients on proper diet, brushing and flossing techniques, and the use of special home care instruments.
Demonstrates and explains the proper care of dentures and bridges and explains the causes of dental cavities and gum disease and its prevention.
Clarifies health questions and summarizes dental findings, explaining needed treatment.
Practices and maintains proper infectious disease control procedures, including preparation, cleaning, and disinfection of the treatment room, instruments, and equipment, following CDC guidelines.
Maintains dental instruments and equipment in proper working order.
Monitors and maintains supply inventory.
Assists the Dental Assistant as necessary with seating patients, cleaning/packaging/sterilizing instruments, setting up trays, screening emergency patients, removing sutures, taking impressions, making models, and chairside assisting.
Attends continuing education programs as required to maintain licensure.
Performs other duties as assigned.
May be required to perform duties similar to those in the job description during a public health emergency.