Job Description

The Dental Hygienist is to provide dental hygiene services to Community Health Center patients. The position also leads in providing preventive care and dental education to members of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe and others. Duties Include: Performs complete oral prophylaxis, including the following: seats and drapes the patients; applies a disclosing solution to the teeth; performs supragingival and subgingival scaling using cavitron and scalers to remove calculus deposits, accretions, and stains; polishes teeth and applies topical fluorides, other anti-cariogenic agents, and occlusal sealants. Examines the patient’s oral cavity, including the mouth, throat, and oropharynx, and records the conditions of the teeth and surrounding tissues. Exposes and mounts digital oral X-rays, including bitewing, panoramic, and periapical images; interprets X-rays to determine areas of calculus deposits and periodontal involvement, the relationship of the teeth, etc.; selects and arranges X-rays as teaching devices for viewing by patients. Refer patients with possible cavities, defective fillings, suspicious growths, or periodontal disease to the supervising dentist. Applies desensitizing agents and other topical agents to treat gingivitis, periodontitis, and other abnormalities as directed by the supervising dentist. Cleans and polishes removable dental appliances worn by patients. Checks and maintains instruments to ensure working conditions. Cleans, sharpens and sterilizes instruments. Instruct patients, individually and in groups, in proper oral hygiene care using materials such as tooth models, displays, slides, toothbrushes, dental floss, disclosing tablets, mirrors, etc. Demonstrates proper techniques for brushing, flossing, and use of necessary periodontal aids. Instruct patients on the removal of dental appliances. Teaches the common causes of tooth decay and its relationship to general diet, focusing on baby bottle tooth decay. Records the number of patients treated and the type of treatment administered. Must be able to document planned and completed treatment correctly in dental software. Contributes articles to the monthly tribal newspapers and provides community health education and outreach relating to dental care as needed. Attends dental staff meetings, including daily huddles and scheduled training sessions. Coordinate and collaborate with partnering agencies for early development dental screening clinics. Remote Work: This position is not eligible for remote work. Other duties as assigned. Education and Certifications: High School diploma or graduate equivalency degree (GED). Associate degree in Dental Hygiene - Required Dental Hygiene license- Required CPR certification. Experience: 3 -5 years’ experience required. Basic personal computer skills are required. Must have a thorough understanding of the operations of a professional clinic. Cultural sensitivity is required, as is the ability to interact with patients in a professional and compassionate manner, maintain confidentiality, and work well as a member of a team. Must have knowledge of dental and oral anatomy, oral physiology, radiology, and nutrition, the principles and techniques of preventive dentistry, and the instruments and materials used to perform procedures, including prophylactic treatment and appropriate referrals to the dentist. Skill and dexterity in performing prophylactic procedures such as scaling, curettage and root planning. Skill in providing individual and group instruction to assist patients in understanding the cause and prevention of dental disease and motivate them to practice good oral care. Physical Requirements: Regularly required to finger, handle, reach with hands and arms. Normal audio and visual acuity. Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking, crouching and bending for more than four (4) hours per day. Routine crouching, bending, and stooping. Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment. Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and will require applicable training. Travel Requirements: Local, Statewide, and out-of-state travel may be required

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