Dental Hygienist - Per Diem - Middleburgh School Based Health

Are you looking to make a difference by improving the health of our patients? Here you will find an innovative culture that is patient-focused and dedicated to making a difference. We are committed to helping the population we serve, and our communities, achieve optimum health and enjoy the best quality of life possible.

Under the regular supervision of the dentist the Dental Hygienist will provide oral health care assessments that include the review of the patient’s health history, dental charting, oral cancer screening, and evaluation of gum/disease/health. Expose, process, and interpret dental radiographs. Remove plaque and calculus (tarter) from above and below the gum line using dental instruments. Apply cavity preventative agents such as fluorides and sealants to the teeth. Administer local anesthetic. Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Counsel patients about plaque control and developing individualized at-home oral hygiene programs. Administer smoking cessation programs. Counsel patients on the importance of good nutrition for maintaining optimal oral health. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide age-appropriate care. Demonstrate excellence in customer service by acting welcoming and demonstrating a desire to meet the individual patient’s needs.

Provides professional prophylaxis including application of topical fluoride and periodontal screening procedures and root planing and scaling according to professional standards of care

Removes calcareous deposits, accretion and stains, including scaling and planing of exposed root surfaces indicated for a complete prophylaxis according to professional practice standards as observed by the dentists

Remove excess cement from surfaces of teeth according to professional practice standards as observed by the dentists

Applies topical agents such as fluoride and topical anesthetic for a complete prophylaxis according to professional practice standards as observed by the dentists with feedback from the patients

Polishes teeth including existing restorations according to professional practice standards as observed by the dentists

Applies pit and fissure sealants according to professional practice standards as observed by the dentists

Takes dental x-rays, develops dental x-rays

Screens patients. Seats patients, positions patient and equipment according to established departmental policies and procedures as observed by the dentists and monitored by the dentists when reading the x-rays

Explains to the patient the dental x-ray procedure according to established departmental procedures as monitored by the dentists

Develops dental films according to established departmental procedures as monitored by the dentists when reading the dental x-rays

Provides patient education on dental health and preventive dental care

Provides patient education on dental health and preventive dental care, including nutritional counseling, according to professional care standards as observed by dentists, monitored in chart documentation by dentists, and from patient feedback

Under the supervision of a licensed dentist takes impressions for study casts, according to departmental policies and procedures as observed by the dentists

Under the supervision of a licensed dentist is able to proficiently administer local anesthetic

Takes patient medical history from patient and documents in chart. Charts caries and periodontal conditions

Takes patient medical history, charts medical history, dental caries and periodontal conditions according to departmental policies and procedures as reviewed by dentist

Performs other duties as requested and observed by supervisor or manager

Education:

Completion of a dental hygiene program, required

Experience:

Minimum 1 year experience as a dental hygienist, preferred

Licensure/Certifications:

Valid NYS License as a Dental Hygienist, required

CPR Certification, required

NYS approved class in Infection Control must be completed within 6 months from date of hire, required

NYS accreditation for Local Anesthesia Infiltration, preferred

Skills:

Clinical Skills

Communication

Self-Motivated

Attention to Detail

Patience

Accountability

Communication

Time Management

Physical Requirements:

Light Work - Exerting up to 20 lbs of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that of sedentary work and if the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work

Occasional lifting, pulling, pushing, stooping

Frequent typing/clerical/dexterity, reaching, repetitive motion, seeing/monitor/computer use, standing, walking

Constant balancing, grasping, hearing, talking, visual acuity (color, depth, perception), fit testing

Hazards:

Occasional chemical, electrical, mechanical

Frequent bodily fluids/bloodborne exposure

Working Conditions:

Occasional noise, vibration, gases, mists, odors

Travel:

Occasional Travel - The job may require travel from time- to-time, but not on a regular basis