Registered Dental Hygienist - HCC Network - Lexington, MO

POSITION SUMMARY
The Dental Hygienist works in collaboration with the Dentist to provide comprehensive preventive dental hygiene services to all patients of the Health Centers.
COMPETENCIES and QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited Dental Hygiene program

Three years of dental hygiene experience is highly desired

Current Missouri license to practice Dental Hygiene

Current CPR/BLS Certification.

Certified to administer nitrous oxide and local anesthesia

Bilingual (English/Spanish) applicants will be given preference

Experience working with dental software is highly desired

Previous experience working in a community health clinic is highly desired

RESPONSIBILITIES
Works in collaboration with the Dentist to provide comprehensive preventive dental hygiene services to all patients, including but not limited to:

Reviews all medical histories at every visit

Utilizes dental software to accurately chart all existing dental restorations, oral conditions, and proposed treatment, as dictated by the Dentist

Assesses need for appropriate radiographs

Acquires diagnostic digital intraoral and panoramic radiographs when indicated

Performs oral cancer screening/soft tissue evaluation

Performs periodontal assessment on all patients to include gingival description; American Academy of Periodontology Classification and American Dental Association Case Type (on persons over 12 years)

Provides appropriate dental hygiene services, including prophylaxis, fluoride & sealant application, and nonsurgical periodontal therapy

Administers local anesthesia for periodontal patients and for operative patients when requested by the Dentist.

Discusses all procedures, responds to patient/parent questions, and obtains informed consent for all dental hygiene procedures

Accurately documents informed consent, refusal, and treatment options in patient record

Accurately documents all procedures in the patient record

Works in collaboration with the Dental Assistants to ensure safety of dental clinic staff and patients, including but not limited to:

Ensures proper sterilization & disinfection techniques

Responsible for the maintenance & cleanliness of the dental hygiene operatory and sterilization area

Recognizes emergency situations and follows established emergency protocols

Maintains compliance with OSHA standards

· Any other duties as assigned
Assures integration of patient education into all aspects of dental hygiene treatment:

Educates patients on their home care status and techniques to improve plaque control

Incorporates parent/guardian into education regime for every child

Explains importance of maintaining appointment sequence to every patient

Discusses complications that may result if the patient fails to complete the treatment plan

Provides anticipatory guidance, nutritional counseling, and tobacco cessation, when applicable

Presents oral health education and provides oral screenings in schools and other community settings, as requested

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
· Flexible, versatile and comfortable in a rapidly changing environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency
· Act as a principal steward of the organization’s resources
· Ability to balance the needs of the client with the realities of the organization
· Uphold the mission, values, and principles of the organization at all times
· Values assessment and measurement in order to improve quality, efficiencies and effectiveness of programs and staff
· Ability to relate well with patients and other health care personnel
· Social and cultural sensitivity appropriate to ethnically and economically diverse patient- and employee-base
· Willingness to educate patients and the community in health maintenance and the role of the health care team
ESSENTIAL ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS
· Physical – moving, walking, balancing, kneeling, crouching, stooping, reaching, standing, pushing, pulling and lifting.
· Mental – forecasting, analyzing, synthesizing, explaining, adapting, comprehending, interpreting data, organizational skills, public speaking, conflict resolution, active listening skills, and flexibility.
· Sensory – full vision and hearing acuity.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $36.00 - $40.00 per hour
Benefits:

401(k)
Dental insurance
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Schedule:

10 hour shift

Ability to Commute:

Lexington, MO 64067 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

Lexington, MO 64067: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

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