Dental Hygienist

Choptank Community Health System, Inc..•Denton, MD

6d•$76,843 - $115,264•Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Hygienist is a key member of Choptank Community Health System’s oral health team and contributes to patient care plans. The role provides dental prophylaxis, fluoride treatments as needed, sealants, and patient education; takes radiographs as instructed by the dentist; and helps manage patient referrals as a link between providers and patients. The hygienist also prepares and maintains dental equipment and supplies and must be able to respond to emergency situations. This is an exempt, full-time position in pay grade 8, with a stated pay range of $76,843.00–$115,264.00. The position reports directly to the Dental Clinical Quality Director and may require travel to other CCHS sites to cover departmental shortages. Work takes place in clinical health centers and includes occasional travel and exposure to the physical conditions and hazards described in the posting. Choptank Community Health System is committed to a safe and open healthcare environment that improves health outcomes and respects the experiences and perspectives of patients and staff. Its stated commitments include prioritizing access for all individuals, providing ongoing staff training in health awareness and prevention, engaging patients, families, and staff, and fostering a workplace where everyone is treated with dignity.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Current license as a Dental Hygienist in the State of Maryland, renewed on time.
Current CPR certification.
Ability to provide patient education and preventive dental services.
Working knowledge of automated patient data systems.
Proficiency in computer skills.
Ability to take digital radiographs.
Working knowledge of CDT and ICD-9 coding.
Ability to respond to emergency situations.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including frequent bending, climbing stairs, walking, kneeling, and reaching; fine and gross motor skills; lifting less than 20 pounds; and vision.

Nice To Haves

At least six months of experience is preferred.
Experience in various dental settings, including pediatric dental patients, is preferred.

Responsibilities

Clean patients’ teeth, including scaling and polishing.
Take radiographs as instructed by the dentist.
Provide preventive dental treatments, including topical applications and sealants.
Educate patients and demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Consult patients on proper nutrition.
Maintain an appropriate inventory of supplies and communicate low stock to the designated person.
Prepare, sterilize, organize, and set up dental equipment.
Ensure dental instruments are clean, dated, and processed according to office guidelines.
Stay current on new equipment and notify the Dental Clinical Quality Director of equipment issues or concerns.
Before appointments, verify that existing dental conditions and treatment plans have been transferred from paper charts to electronic charts.
Take initiative to solve problems and recommend improvements to the Dental Clinical Quality Director.
Travel to other CCHS sites to cover departmental shortages.
Display professionalism when interacting with CCHS customers, staff, and clinicians.
May schedule appointments and facilitate referrals.
Recommend cost-containment and quality-improvement measures.
Prioritize effectively, collaborate with staff to support a desirable work environment, and anticipate the needs of other dental hygienists.
Maintain regular, reliable attendance.