Dental Hygienist - General Dentistry Full time Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Dental Hygienist provides preventive oral healthcare services and patient education in an outpatient dental clinic. The role works collaboratively with dentists and other healthcare professionals to support optimal oral health outcomes, while adhering to Northwestern Medicine’s mission, values, policies, Code of Ethics, Corporate Compliance Program, and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards. This is a full-time position with four 10-hour shifts, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The hygienist provides patient-centered care, maintains accurate documentation, follows infection-prevention and radiation-safety standards, and contributes to professional development, quality improvement, and patient safety initiatives.

Requirements

Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited program.
Current Illinois Registered Dental Hygienist license (IDFPR).
CPR BLS certification through the American Heart Association.
Knowledge of dental terminology, procedures, and instruments.

Nice To Haves

At least 1 year of experience working as a Dental Hygienist.
Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene or a related field.
Proficiency with computer skills and dental software applications, such as EPIC and dental x-ray software.

Responsibilities

Perform thorough dental cleanings, including scaling and polishing teeth.
Conduct periodontal screenings, oral health assessments, and dental disease risk evaluations.
Provide preventive dental services, including prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance, fluoride treatments, sealants, and other procedures within the scope of licensure.
Assess periodontal health in accordance with provider orders and evidence-based practice standards.
Document assessments, treatment, patient education, and follow-up recommendations accurately and promptly in the electronic medical record.
Review medical histories and update patient records.
Take diagnostic dental radiographs and assist with CBCT imaging in accordance with radiation safety standards, regulatory requirements, and department protocols.
Assist dentists and the interdisciplinary care team during examinations, treatments, and other dental tasks.
Collaborate with dentists on treatment plans and preventive care strategies.
Educate patients about brushing, flossing, oral health maintenance, and treatment recommendations.
Administer local anesthesia, monitor nitrous oxide, and perform other adjunctive procedures authorized under Illinois law and consistent with training, certification, and hospital privileges.
Follow infection-prevention and safety standards; sterilize instruments and equipment and meet sterilization, maintenance, and quality assurance requirements.
Promote patient comfort and provide exceptional customer service.
Participate in professional development, quality improvement, patient safety, and performance improvement initiatives.
Maintain professional working relationships and effective communication with the interdisciplinary team.
Attend and contribute to departmental and discipline-specific service meetings.
Follow Northwestern Medicine and departmental policies and procedures, Code of Ethics, Customer Service Standards, and the Patients First mission.