Dental Hygienist

Position Title: Dental Hygienist

Reports To: Director of Dental Services and Staff Dentist
 

Qualifications: 

• Graduate of an accredited program for Dental Hygienist and currently licensed in New York State. 

• Minimum one-year experience as a Dental Hygienist is preferred. 

• Experience in tele-dentistry is preferred 

• Must be able to read and write English. 

• Bi-lingual Spanish skills preferred.

Position Summary: 

• Performs all dental procedures, as permitted by NY State licensure, under the supervision of a licensed Dentist. 

• Conducts tele-dental exams under the direction of a remote dentist

Essential Functions: 

Demonstrates competency and proficiency in performing the following services under the general consultative supervision of a Dentist and according to ADHA guidelines: 

Removing calculus deposits, accretions and stains including scaling and planning of exposed root surfaces indicated for complete prophylaxis. 

Applying topical agents indicated for complete prophylaxis. Removing excess cement from surfaces of the teeth. 

Placing and exposing X-ray films. 

Performing topical fluoride applications and topical anesthetic applications. Polishing teeth, including existing restorations. 

Applying pit and fissure sealants. 

Charting caries and periodontal conditions as an aid to diagnosis by the Dentist.

Providing patient and family education appropriate to the age level and needs of the patient. 

Taking the medical history including the measuring and recording of vital signs.

Demonstrates competency and proficiency in performing the following services under the personal supervision of the Dentist on duty: 

Removing sutures

Placing and removing: rubber dams; periodontal dressings; matrix bands 

Placing and removing temporary restorations (non-metallic only) 

Taking impressions for study casts Applying topical medication not related to complete dental prophylaxis. 

Conducts tele-dental exams under the direction of a remote dentist 

Demonstrates initiative in assisting other health providers in the provision of care Provides education, teaching and appropriate documentation as directed. 

Demonstrates the ability to identify and set priorities Maintains the integrity of the medical record in accordance with agency policies and procedures 

Maintains universal precautions in the provision of care and performance of duties 

Verbalizes knowledge of and adheres to OSHA standards for blood-borne pathogens when handling blood and body fluids. 

Maintains open communication with other care providers to promote a collaborative and collegial relationship in the ambulatory care center. 

Articulates knowledge of established policies and procedures and demonstrates compliance to these in the provision of care and services. 

Performs all duties within the scope of practice, demonstrates awareness of legal issues, utilizes good judgment and actions to reduce potential adverse consequences for patient, agency and self. 

Demonstrates a commitment to professional growth by attending educational seminars 

Maintains a clean, safe and therapeutic work environment Identifies, investigates, and reports patient/environmental safety factors and makes recommendations for improvement. 

Able to verbalize and demonstrate compliance to the facility’s fire plan

Demonstrates respect for the cultural and religious diversities and needs of patients, families and care providers. 

Creates and maintains an atmosphere of courtesy and respect towards patients, families and care providers. 

Conforms to policies and regulations governing patient rights and confidentiality

Supports the mission and philosophy of Damian Family Care Centers, Inc

Maintains a consistent and flexible pattern of attendance in accordance with assigned schedule and reports to work on time. 

Conforms to agency guidelines regarding dress code; is well groomed and neat. 

Maintains good personal hygiene. Performs all related duties, as assigned, or unrelated duties, as requested, during emergencies. 

Conforms to agency policies regarding the use of local anesthesia administration, as applicable. 

Manages time allotted for patients efficiently