Dental Hygenist

Job Description

Job Description

A Dental Hygienist is a licensed oral health professional who provides preventive and therapeutic services to patients, working in collaboration with a dentist. The primary goal is to promote and maintain optimal oral health, prevent disease, and educate patients on proper oral hygiene practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Clinical Patient Care

• Prophylaxis and Periodontal Care: Perform professional dental cleanings, including removing plaque, calculus (tartar), and stains from teeth and beneath the gum line (scaling and root planing).
• Preventive Treatments: Apply preventative agents such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments.
• Local Anesthesia and Sedation: Administer local anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide, as allowed by state regulations.
• Radiography: Take and develop diagnostic dental X-rays (radiographs).
• Instrumentation: Maintain and sterilize dental instruments and equipment in accordance with infection control protocols.

2. Assessment and Screening

• Oral Health Assessment: Conduct comprehensive patient assessments, including reviewing medical and dental histories.
• Screenings: Perform oral cancer screenings (examining the head, neck, and lymph nodes) and assess the patient's periodontal (gum) health.
• Charting: Accurately chart and document the patient's oral conditions, findings, and treatment provided.
• Reporting: Report all findings, concerns, and potential disease indicators to the supervising dentist for diagnosis and treatment planning.

3. Patient Education and Counseling

• Oral Hygiene Instruction: Educate patients of all ages on correct brushing, flossing, and interdental cleaning techniques tailored to their individual needs (e.g., braces, implants).
• Health Counseling: Provide counseling on the effects of diet, nutrition, and tobacco use on oral health.
• Disease Prevention: Motivate and instruct patients on self-care and practices for preventing dental decay and gum disease.

4. Administrative and Team Collaboration

• Record Management: Maintain meticulous and confidential patient records, adhering to privacy regulations (like HIPAA).
• Scheduling: Manage the hygiene schedule and patient recall system for future appointments.
• Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with the dentist, dental assistants, and administrative staff to ensure a smooth, efficient, and patient-centered experience.
• Professional Development: Maintain state licensure by completing required continuing education (CE) credits and staying current with evolving dental practices and technology.

Required Qualifications

• Education: An Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited dental hygiene program.
• Licensure: Must hold a current, active Dental Hygienist license in GA or be willing to obtain a license in GA
• Certifications: Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Key Skills and Attributes

• Dexterity: Excellent fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination for precision work in the oral cavity.
• Interpersonal/Communication: Strong verbal skills to explain complex procedures clearly, and the ability to establish rapport with patients, especially those with dental anxiety.
• Compassion and Empathy: A caring, patient-focused approach.
• Detail-Oriented: Thoroughness in clinical assessments, charting, and following safety protocols.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to assess patient conditions and develop appropriate hygiene care plans.