Dental Hygienist (Bilingual)

El Centro Del Barrio•San Antonio, TX

10d•Onsite

About The Position

CentroMed is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare to all populations. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with multiple locations, CentroMed has been serving the San Antonio and New Braunfels areas for over 50 years, focusing on culturally competent care for underserved populations and growing into a network of high-quality health and dental clinics. The organization's mission is to improve lives by enhancing family well-being through high-quality, compassionate healthcare. The Dental Hygienist will be responsible for providing quality dental care and associated services under the general supervision of a dentist, assisting with patient care, office duties, and sterilization, and performing dental health education activities.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
Graduate from an accredited Dental Hygiene Program
Board Certified front office duties.
Demonstrates success in working independently, prioritization and problem solving.
Demonstrates success in computer skills including ability to use computer for scheduling, dental records and digital x-rays.
Demonstrates success in customer service/patient services or working with the general public, preferably in a medical care facility.
Demonstrates success in managing difficult customer/patient situations.
Significant knowledge of dental practices and procedures
Bilingual (Spanish and English) required.
Ability to move freely (Bending, reaching, standing, stooping, walking, pushing and pulling).
A medium to high level of manual dexterity required.
Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
Occasional lifting and pushing.
Must be able to travel independently to other locations as needed.
Must be able to meet the essential functions of the position.
Must be able to meet the attendance requirements of the position.

Responsibilities

Improve the oral health of patients through the delivery of periodontal therapies and other dental hygiene-related services.
Enhance the efficiency of the clinic by performing expanded duties as allowable by law and as directed by the dentist.
Ensure all patients enjoy a positive experience and are treated with care and compassion.
Ensure all patient records and related documentation are managed and maintained timely, accurately, and consistent with all HIPAA and related regulations and requirements.
Ensure all tasks provided and associated with patient care, patient administrative processes, and related duties comply with all regulatory and accreditation standards, as well as clinic policies and procedures.
Ensure direct patient care is delivered using established dental hygiene procedures.
Develop favorable relationships with all patients.
Interact positively with patients to provide information and education about oral hygiene, handle and resolve patient concerns with enthusiasm and empathy.
Establish favorable working relationships with all staff members associated with clinic operations, including Customer Services Representatives, dental assistants, dentists, and related staff.
Uphold and consistently represent the values and mission of CentroMed at all times.
Represent the CentroMed in a highly professional manner at all times.
Ensure compliance and attention to all corporate policies and procedures.
Complete continuing education as necessary to retain state license.
Provide direct patient care and dental services as trained, licensed, and assigned.
Assess dental condition(s) and needs of patient using approved patient screening procedures, including medical history review, dental charting, and periodontal charting.
Evaluate overall oral health, examining oral cavity for signs of periodontal disease or possible cancers, including recessed & bleeding gums, and oral lesions.
Expose and process radiograph films.
Document dental history or chief complaint; record and report pertinent observations and patient reactions to dentists, as appropriate.
Document lab procedures and ensure follow up on results.
Follow through with oral hygiene procedures in accordance with treatment plans prescribed by the attending dentist. Procedures may include: Prophylaxis, periodontal scaling, root planning, debridement, supra and subgingival scaling and curettage, application of fluoride treatments, and application of protective sealants.
Assist with or initiate emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment of patients.
Conduct dental health clinics for community groups to augment services of dentists.
Help patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment.
Educate patients in oral hygiene and dental care, including proper tooth brushing, flossing, nutrition and need for professional care.
Demonstrate commitment to the mission of CentroMed in promoting dental health.
Interact positively with a diverse, sometimes difficult, and demanding patient population.
Provide service in a manner that is appropriate for the patient’s age; demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to meet the patient’s physical, psychosocial, educational and safety needs.
Read, write, and maintain patient records and related administrative documentation.
Utilize the requisite tools, systems, technology and equipment in the collection of patient data, records management and collections.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of dentistry procedures, clinic infection control procedures, cleaning and sterilization of instruments, tray setup and materials.
Demonstrate knowledge of established oral hygiene concepts and periodontal therapies.