Dental Hygienist (RDH) - Mobile

Suncoast Community Health Centers Inc.•Brandon, FL

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Dental Hygienist (RDH) is responsible for performing comprehensive oral exams, providing patient education on oral hygiene, and carrying out various dental treatments. This role involves collaborating with dentists and healthcare providers to create integrated care plans, educating patients on the link between oral health and overall wellness, and maintaining accurate patient records. The position also includes community outreach, staying updated on dental hygiene research, and advocating for patients' oral health needs. Additionally, the hygienist will assess children's oral health, offer nutritional counseling, and support dental clinics by performing procedures like scaling, root planing, and X-rays. Responsibilities also include instrument sterilization, maintaining sanitation, and supporting access to urgent care and patient referrals.

Requirements

Proficient in dental software, electronic medical record (EMR) systems, digital imaging, and modern dental tools and technology.
Knowledgeable in HIPAA, OSHA, and dental care regulations, with strong commitment to compliance.
Open to continuous learning and skilled at adapting to new technologies, techniques, and procedures.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for rapport building with patients and teamwork with healthcare providers.
Strong patient advocacy and educational abilities, skilled in explaining oral health information clearly and offering preventive care guidance.
Experienced in performing cleanings, scaling, root planing, polishing, fluoride treatments, and sealants.
Competent in X-ray processing and interpretation, dental instrument management, sterilization, and clinic hygiene.
Excellent verbal, written, and organizational skills, with attention to detail, time management, and problem solving.
Capable of prioritizing tasks, managing stress, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Must be able to effectively manage workflow and maintain high-quality standards in environments where staffing levels may be below ideal, demonstrating the ability to prioritize tasks and collaborate with the team under pressure.
Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited institution is required.
Valid Florida Dental Hygiene License.
At least 3 years of experience in dental hygiene.
BLS is required.

Nice To Haves

Local anesthesia certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform comprehensive oral exams to evaluate oral health and hygiene status.
Provide patient education on effective oral hygiene practices and the importance of preventive care.
Tailor individualized oral care plans to meet each patient's specific needs.
Carry out scaling, root planing, and polishing procedures.
Administer treatments, including fluoride applications and sealants, to enhance oral health.
Take and analyze X-rays to help detect dental conditions and inform treatment strategies.
Collaborate with dentists and healthcare providers to design integrated, multidisciplinary care plans.
Coordinate with medical teams to ensure safe and effective dental treatment for patients with complex medical conditions.
Educate patients about the link between oral health and overall wellness, such as the role of gum health in heart disease prevention.
Keep meticulous, accurate patient records and document assessments, treatment plans, and follow-up care.
Engage in community outreach and wellness programs to raise oral health awareness.
Stay updated on current dental hygiene research and best practices in integrated care.
Advocate for patients' oral health needs within the healthcare system.
Comply with all regulatory standards for patient records.
Collaborate with medical and dental providers to assess children's oral health, including evaluations for oral pathology.
Offer nutritional counseling and oral hygiene guidance to both children and their parents.
Provide toothbrush prophylaxis, dental polishing, and sealant applications as time allows.
Administer topical fluoride applications.
Perform full-mouth debridement (FMD), scaling in the presence of gingivitis, scaling and root planing (SRP), X-rays, and other hygienist duties when supporting dental clinics.
Clean and sterilize instruments, and ensure upkeep and sanitation of equipment and treatment areas.
Support improved access to urgent care and facilitate patient referrals to the dental clinic.
Perform additional tasks as needed to support the centers.