Dental Hygienist

HEART OF OHIO FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS•Columbus, OH

2d•$35 - $45

About The Position

Provide quality dental care and associated services to patients under the general supervision of a dentist, following established dental hygiene procedures. Assist staff with patient care, office, and laboratory duties, and support clinic and community dental health education activities. The role delivers periodontal therapies and other dental hygiene services, performs expanded duties as permitted by law and directed by the dentist, and helps ensure patients receive compassionate, positive care. It also involves maintaining accurate and timely patient records in accordance with HIPAA and other regulations, following clinic policies and accreditation standards, and representing the organization’s mission and values professionally. Direct patient care includes screening and assessing dental conditions and needs; reviewing medical histories; completing dental and periodontal charting; examining the oral cavity for signs of disease or possible cancers; exposing, processing, and mounting radiographs; documenting patient histories, observations, reactions, and laboratory procedures; and following dentist-prescribed treatment plans. Treatments may include prophylaxis, periodontal scaling and root planing, debridement, supra- and subgingival scaling and curettage, fluoride treatments, and protective sealants. The hygienist may also assist with or initiate emergency measures during treatment. The position educates patients and community groups about oral hygiene and dental care, including brushing, flossing, nutrition, and the need for professional care. It requires effective interaction with a diverse patient population, collaboration with dentists, dental assistants, patient services representatives, and other staff, and the use of appropriate tools, systems, technology, and equipment for patient data and records. The hygienist must understand dental procedures, infection control, instrument cleaning and sterilization, tray setup, materials, oral hygiene concepts, and periodontal therapies. Continuing education is required as necessary to retain state licensure.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Successful completion of an accredited dental hygienist program.
Current Registered Dental Hygienist status with state licensure.
Current CPR certification.
Current radiation safety certification.
Demonstrated ability to think clearly and reorganize as needed.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize, and solve problems.
Demonstrated organizational abilities.
Computer skills, including using a computer for scheduling and word documents, and reasonable keyboard skills.
Customer service, patient services, or public-facing experience; preferably in a medical or dental care facility.
Demonstrated ability to manage difficult customer situations.
Knowledge of dental practices and procedures.
Experience providing direct patient services and proper knowledge and use of dental care devices and equipment.
Clear verbal and written communication skills and ability to speak and read English.
Ability to move freely, including standing, stooping, walking, bending, pushing, and pulling.
Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
Occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens while performing job duties.

Nice To Haves

Certification to administer local anesthesia is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide direct patient care and dental services within training, licensure, and assigned duties.
Assess patients’ dental conditions and needs using approved screening procedures, including medical history review, dental charting, and periodontal charting.
Evaluate oral health and examine the oral cavity for periodontal disease or possible cancers, including recessed or bleeding gums and oral lesions.
Expose, process, and mount radiograph films.
Document dental history or chief complaints, record and report pertinent observations and patient reactions to dentists, and document laboratory procedures and follow up on results.
Carry out oral hygiene procedures according to treatment plans prescribed by the attending dentist, including prophylaxis, periodontal scaling and root planing, debridement, supra- and subgingival scaling and curettage, fluoride treatments, and protective sealants.
Assist with or initiate emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during patient treatment.
Conduct dental health clinics for community groups to augment dentist services.
Help patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment.
Educate patients on oral hygiene and dental care, including proper brushing, flossing, nutrition, and the need for professional care.
Provide care appropriate to each patient’s age and physical, psychosocial, educational, and safety needs.
Maintain patient records and related administrative documentation accurately and promptly, in compliance with HIPAA and applicable regulations.
Use appropriate tools, systems, technology, and equipment to collect patient data, manage records, and perform collections.
Follow regulatory and accreditation standards, clinic policies and procedures, and infection-control practices.
Build favorable relationships with patients and staff, address patient concerns with empathy, and collaborate with patient services representatives, dental assistants, dentists, and related staff.
Represent the organization’s mission and values professionally and comply with corporate policies and procedures.
Complete continuing education as necessary to retain state licensure.