Dental Hygienist

HopeHealth Inc• Florence, SC, US, SC

21d

About The Position

Under the supervision of a Dentist in a clinical setting, the Dental Hygienist provides professional, high-quality dental care and education to a broad range of patients using established dental hygiene protocols and procedures. The role evaluates patients and implements treatment regimens under Dentist supervision, provides direct dental hygiene care, and supports the smooth and efficient operation of the Dental Program. The Dental Hygienist documents findings, treatments, and outcomes; reviews and interprets dental records; assesses dental conditions and risk; develops individualized care plans; and provides oral health education and prevention activities. The position also assists with emergency measures, maintains operatory equipment, and participates in staff meetings and Quality Improvement activities. Work involves exposure to unusual environmental elements, blood and blood-borne pathogens, and potentially dangerous materials and situations. The role requires moderate physical activity, standing and/or walking for most of the day, and the ability to lift 30 pounds. OSHA training and protective equipment may be required.

Requirements

Registered dental hygienist (RDH) from an accredited program.
Current license to practice in South Carolina.
Current CPR certification.
Licensed to administer local anesthetic infiltration.
Pursue continuing education units as required to maintain licensure and stay current with advances in dentistry, especially within dental hygiene practice.
Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations and guidelines for dental outpatient services.
Ability to analyze medical records and prescribed protocols to formulate effective therapeutic treatment plans.
Ability to independently assess dental disease and associated conditions and pathology.
Ability to perform established dental hygienist protocols and procedures.
Knowledge of patient screening, charting, medical history procedures, and documentation.
Knowledge and understanding of dental surgery and associated procedures, terminology, and techniques.
Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with regulations and guidelines.
Ability to independently perform emergency dental procedures.
Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical coworkers.
Knowledge of patient admission, triage, transfer, and discharge procedures and documentation.
Ability to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC, and ADA standards.
Value personal and departmental performance excellence and work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to lift 30 pounds and stand and/or walk for most of the day.
Manual dexterity to enter data and use a computer, grab, grip, hold, tear, cut, sort, and reach.
Vision and hearing corrected to within normal limits.
Work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and complete required OSHA training; follow extensive safety precautions and use protective equipment as applicable.

Responsibilities

Provide high-quality dental hygiene care within the scope of service and consistent with accepted standards of care.
Evaluate patients and implement treatment regimens under the supervision of the Dentist.
Document findings, treatments, outcomes, dental history, chief complaints, pertinent observations, patient reactions, and laboratory procedures; ensure follow-up on results.
Review and interpret patient dental records and initiate oral health education and prevention activities.
Support the smooth and efficient operation of the Dental Program as needed.
Assess dental conditions and risks using patient screening procedures, including medical history review, dental charting, and periodontal charting; take vital signs as required.
Deliver direct patient care using established procedures, including cleaning, polishing, X-rays, sealant application, fluoride and varnish application, and related procedures.
Develop and implement individualized dental care plans; provide patient education, risk protocols, discharge planning, and patient/family teaching under Dentist supervision.
Assist with or institute emergency measures in response to sudden adverse developments during patient treatment.
Maintain the dental operatory and assigned equipment through routine cleaning and maintenance.
Attend and participate in staff meetings reviewing team progress toward financial and productivity goals.
Participate in Quality Improvement activities as requested by the Dentist/Clinical Dental.
Perform other duties as assigned.