Dental Hygienist

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

15d•$93,120 - $133,212•Onsite

About The Position

The Campus Dental Center at the School of Dentistry has an outstanding opportunity for a Dental Hygienist to join the team. Under general supervision of the Dental Clinic Manager, the Dental Hygienist performs expanded dental hygiene technical and restorative dental procedures and periodontal therapy in a dental clinic and hospital setting in conjunction with dental students, dentists and physicians. Successful candidates for this position will have the ability to work independently and be a solid, reliable team player with a strong work ethic. The Dental Hygienist must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, resolve conflicts in a positive manner, and interact with patients, staff, faculty, and students in a professional manner. They must also be able to handle difficult situations professionally and use good judgement while upholding the policies of the University of Washington and the UW School of Dentistry.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited school of dental hygiene, AND a current license to practice as a dental hygienist in the State of Washington.
Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Nice To Haves

Ability to work independently and be a solid, reliable team player with a strong work ethic.
Strong interpersonal skills, resolve conflicts in a positive manner, and interact with patients, staff, faculty, and students in a professional manner.
Ability to handle difficult situations professionally and use good judgement while upholding the policies of the University of Washington and the UW School of Dentistry.

Responsibilities

Review patient health history; conduct preliminary oral examination including periodontal charting; take intra-oral photographs; expose and process x-rays; and take vital signs.
Perform oral prophylaxis including sub-gingival and supra-gingival scaling, root planning and soft tissue curettage, administer local anesthesia, apply fluoride treatments and sealants.
Educate patients in oral hygiene procedures including dietary analysis; maintain patient records and recall systems.
Administer local anesthesia (both infiltration and block anesthesia) and nitrous-oxide analgesia.
Assist in the treatment of medically and physically compromised patients; under a dentist’s supervision implement appropriate treatment plans such as the provision of periodontal therapy in accordance with the patient’s needs
Apply and remove rubber dams; polish amalgam restorations, crowns and supra-gingival areas; place cement base, and place amalgam matrix bands and wedges; condense and carve amalgam restorations; and adjust occlusion.
Adapt celluloid matrices for placement of composite- resins; insert and finish composite resin restoration.
Take impressions for diagnostic models; and retract gingival tissue prior to impression; fabricate temporary restorations.
Adapt stainless steel crowns.
Provide necessary information to the front desk for scheduling patient appointments.
Establishing recall systems.
Maintaining patient records.
Maintain clinical equipment and supplies.
Clean and sterilize equipment.
Instruct DAs in the role of the dental hygienist in the delivery of patient care.
Assist in patient management, data collection and analysis for research projects.
May conduct dental education courses.
Communicate with Clinic Manager when areas for operational improvement or ways to improve the safety of the clinical environment are observed.
Perform related duties as required.
This position performs essential services and may be required to work during any period of declared suspended operation.