DENTAL HYGIENIST - Central Virginia Health Services, Inc. - Fredericksburg, VA

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Prepares treatment room for patient by adhering to prescribed procedures and protocols. Collect medical and dental histories from patients Chart dental conditions based on dentist’s observations and evaluations Instruct patients of all ages on proper dental hygiene and care Take x-rays of patients’ teeth and develop them for dentist’s use Provide chair-side assistance during dental procedures Maintains instrumentation for dental hygiene treatment by sharpening, sterilizing, and selecting instruments. Completes dental prophylaxis by cleaning deposits and stains from teeth and from beneath gum margins. Detects disease by completing oral cancer screening; feeling and visually examining gums; using probes to locate periodontal disease and to assess levels of recession; exposing and developing radiographic studies. Applies fluorides and other cavity- preventing agents Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drugs and oxygen supply, and directory of emergency numbers Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements Maintains dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Must demonstrate excellent oral and written skills. Knowledge of Dental Technology, Dental Health Maintenance, Infection Control, Health Promotion and Maintenance Must be able to work independently Takes initiative Respects and understand HIPAA requirements with regards to patient confidentiality. Ability to communicate with and relate to people of different cultures, particularly those with poor socio-economic backgrounds Demonstrates competence for the essential job functions EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Associate’s degree from an accredited hygiene program State hygiene license Current CPR certification Ability to use an x-ray machine

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