Registered Dental Hygienist
About The Position
The Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) reports to the Dental Director and supports dentists by carrying out specific tasks that enable them to use their time efficiently. The RDH delivers oral hygiene and appropriate preventive services to patients as directed by the dentist. The position requires floating to other SNAHC locations and is a limited-term, 9-month assignment with potential for permanent employment. The position may be grant-funded; continued employment is contingent on renewed or additional funding and may end when the grant cycle closes. Grant funding does not create a contractual right to employment for a specific period, and SNAHC remains an at-will employer. The position is based at 2020 J Street in Sacramento, California. The stated salary range is $97,072.72–$131,333.68. Individual compensation is determined at the company’s discretion based on factors including skills, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and organizational needs.
Requirements
- Current California Registered Dental Hygienist license.
- At least 2 years of experience in a community clinic setting.
- Ability to comprehensively chart visits and complete E&M coding in compliance with dental coding standards.
- Dental x-ray and coronal polish licenses.
- Knowledge of preventive dentistry and plaque-control instruction.
- Ability to work well under pressure, reach sound conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.
- Computer experience, preferably with Windows and Microsoft Office Suite applications.
- Current CPR certification.
- Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-moving environment.
- Ability to communicate across the organization and with patients daily.
- Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service to patients.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in a community dental clinic setting.
- Knowledge of traditional, cultural, and spiritual practices of the diverse AI/AN community and ability to work with racially, culturally, ethnically, and financially diverse populations.
- Experience with an electronic health record system.
- Experience with Nextgen.
Responsibilities
- Take and record patients’ blood pressure in their charts.
- Help ensure patient comfort and alleviate fears.
- Prepare operatories and treatment rooms, follow Cal/OSHA infection-control protocols, and organize work areas and preset trays for anticipated procedures.
- Obtain materials and diagnostic and treatment items needed for planned procedures; autoclave instruments for the next day.
- Welcome, soothe, seat, and drape patients before dental hygiene treatment.
- Maintain dental hygiene instruments by sharpening and sterilizing them and selecting appropriate instruments.
- Select materials and equipment for visits based on patients’ oral health.
- Perform dental prophylaxis by cleaning deposits and stains from teeth and below gum margins.
- Screen for oral cancer and periodontal disease; examine gums, assess recession, and expose and develop radiographic studies.
- Apply fluoride and other cavity-prevention agents to arrest dental decay.
- Fabricate temporary restorations, clean and polish removable appliances, place and polish sealants, and remove cement from crowns and bridges.
- Support dentists in managing dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drugs, oxygen supplies, and emergency contact information.
- Educate patients about oral hygiene, plaque control, postoperative care, and follow-up visits; counsel patients on nutrition as it relates to oral hygiene.
- Maintain dental equipment, troubleshoot malfunctions, arrange repairs, maintain inventories, and evaluate equipment and techniques.
- Maintain professional and technical knowledge through educational workshops, professional publications, networking, and participation in professional dental hygiene societies.
- Prepare patients requiring anesthesia and assist dentists when necessary.
- Retract oral tissues and remove excess saliva using high-vacuum systems and/or air to improve visibility in the oral cavity.
- Document dental hygiene services and chart patient records.
- Comply with HIPAA and patient-confidentiality requirements and applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including those related to sexual harassment, scope of practice, and OSHA.
- Coordinate appropriate dental hygiene care with other health professionals involved in patients’ care.
- Receive and place telephone calls related to professional matters, clinical business, and patient care.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
