Dental Hygienist

A Brief Overview

The Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) is responsible for the delivery of oral hygiene care and appropriate preventive services to the patients of the practice, as directed by the dentist. The RDH is the primary educational resource for patients regarding their oral hygiene and care, and is responsible for building trusting, long-term, relationships with patients.

What You Will Do

Understand and manage the daily hygiene schedule to ensure on-time appointments and the maintenance of production goals

Manage clinical patient flow to ensure the most efficient and effective care for every patient

Ensure that the appropriate clinical practice guidelines are consistently followed

Carefully sterilize and disinfect all instruments and equipment

Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, and tray setups for procedures

Greet and prepare patients for hygiene appointments

Effectively and safely capture intra- and extra-oral dental radiographs and photos

Proactively assist the dentist during examinations

Conduct work in compliance with organizational policies and procedures, safety, and regulatory guidelines

Record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients

Accurately record treatment information, both completed and proposed, in patient files, in accordance with clinical record keeping standards

Assist in the oral health management of patients of the practice

Obtain and document baseline and continued oral hygiene and periodontal assessment data

Maintain an organized and efficient clinical work-space; ensure instruments, equipment, and supplies are “at the ready” in case of unexpected need

Participate in the achievement of patient satisfaction and office production goals by working efficiently and providing a high level of patient service

Provide oral health education and counseling for all patients of the practice

Counsel patients on nutrition and home-care, as related to oral hygiene

Work toward the integration and coordination of appropriate dental and hygiene care with other health care professionals involved in the patient’s health care management

Work closely with the Scheduling Coordinator/PSR and Manager to maintain the established hygiene recall practices; place any necessary telephone calls and e-mails to patients in order to maintain a fully productive hygiene schedule

Maintain the proper level of hygiene product/material stock in accordance with established office standards

Maintain an appropriate office environment

Additional Responsibilities

Performs other duties as assigned.

Complies with all policies and standards.

For specific duties and responsibilities, refer to documentation provided by the department during orientation.

Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients. Annual training, the UH Code of Conduct and UH policies and procedures are in place to address appropriate use of PHI in the workplace.

Education

High School Equivalent / GED (Required) and

Graduate of ADA Accredited Dental Hygiene Program (Required)

Work Experience

2+ years Of experience in a clinical setting (Preferred) and

Experience in high-volume Pediatric specialty hygiene department (Preferred) and

Treatment presentation/coordination experience (Preferred) and

Nomad Handheld X-ray experience (Preferred)

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Excellent interpersonal and written communication skils (Required proficiency)

Well-developed Patient-Flow and Schedule management skills (Required proficiency)

Ability to work independently (Required proficiency)

Good communication skills (Required proficiency)

Conscientious, task-oriented, work mentality (Required proficiency)

Ability to perform detailed work according to the practice’s established clinical and office policies (Required proficiency)

Good ambidextrous coordination and balance (Required proficiency)

General computer and keyboard skills, knowledgeable in Microsoft Office Suite (Required proficiency)

General CDT Procedure Code knowledge (Required proficiency)

Ability to multi-task and work with interruptions (Required proficiency)

Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with patients and demonstrate a friendly attitude, even while under pressure (Required proficiency)

Advanced CDT Procedure Code knowledge (Preferred proficiency)

Dental practice management software knowledge (Required proficiency)

Licenses and Certifications

Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) (Required) and

Basic Life Support (BLS) (Required Upon Hire)

Physical Demands

Standing Frequently

Walking Frequently

Sitting Rarely

Lifting Frequently 50 lbs

Carrying Frequently 50 lbs

Pushing Frequently 50 lbs

Pulling Frequently 50 lbs

Climbing Occasionally 50 lbs

Balancing Occasionally

Stooping Frequently

Kneeling Frequently

Crouching Frequently

Crawling Occasionally

Reaching Frequently

Handling Frequently

Grasping Frequently

Feeling Constantly

Talking Constantly

Hearing Constantly

Repetitive Motions Constantly

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Constantly

Travel Requirements

10%