DENTAL HYGIENIST

Palms Medical Group•Lake City, FL

just now•Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Hygienist works under the supervision of a licensed dentist to provide high-quality preventive dental care and associated services to patients. This role follows established dental hygiene protocols and supports the overall mission of Palms Medical Group by promoting oral health, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring a safe and welcoming clinical environment.

Requirements

Must be organized, a self-starter and detailed oriented.
Job duties require the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Expected to travel and cover other sites during dental hygienist absences.
Assist in the training and mentoring of coworkers by sharing knowledge, providing guidance, and supporting skill development.
Employee shall be able to read and interpret written dental instructions.
Employee will know how to operate efficiently a dental x-ray machine.
Employee will properly protect the patient from x-ray radiation.
Employee will know how to expose dental radiographs.
Employee will know how to efficiently operate NexGen.
Employee will be expected to navigate and operate Microsoft Office suite products, including Word and Excel.
Associate of Science degree in Dental Hygiene.
Current Dental Hygiene license issued by the State of Florida.
Current BLS (basic life support) Certification.
Effectively communicates complex and/or technical information to co-workers, patients and/or vendors.
Standing for long periods of time
Sitting for long periods of time
Viewing a computer monitor for long periods of time
Bending
Stretching / Reaching
Walking short distances
Lifting up to 50 pounds
Operating office equipment (computer, fax machines, telephones and copy machines)
Reading forms / Instructions / Patients Charts
Communicating well to people of various ages, educational levels, cultural backgrounds in person or by telephone
Exposure to potentially violent / irate patients
Exposure to chemical infectious / contagious illness
Exposure to chemical and inhalation of antibiotics during reconstitution
Exposure to X-Ray radiation
Exposure to a variety of scents and odors
Must utilize universal precaution in clinical or exposure situations as prescribed by federal state, and local guidelines and /or laws

Responsibilities

Deliver patient-centered care in accordance with PMG policies and within the scope of licensure.
Document patient interactions and phone calls in the Electronic Dental Record (EDR).
Maintain a working knowledge of all PMG departments and services.
Identify as a dental hygienist and always wear appropriate identification.
Greet, seat, and drape patients professionally.
Review patient health history, dental chart, oral history, and radiographs prior to treatment.
Perform prophylaxis by removing calculus, plaque, and stains from teeth and beneath gingival margins.
Examine gums and lymph nodes for signs of disease or abnormalities.
Apply fluoride and other preventive agents to arrest dental decay.
Take and process dental radiographs.
Chart oral conditions for diagnosis and treatment planning by the dentist.
Submit supply orders to the VP of Business Continuity as needed.
Maintain dental instruments through proper sharpening and sterilization.
Ensure cleanliness and organization of the clinical workspace.
Educate patients on oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and nutrition.
Provide tobacco cessation counseling and other preventative education.
Offer appointment reminders and promote regular dental visits.
Participate in community outreach or educational initiatives as needed.
Adhere to the Dental Policy Manual and HIPAA regulations.
Support clinical quality goals as outlines in the PMG QA/QI Plan.
Assist with audits, surveys and other administrative tasks as assigned.
Perform additional duties to support efficiency and effectiveness of PMG operations.