Dental Hygienist

# Apply Description

Christ Health Center is seeking a skilled and compassionate Dental Hygienist who is committed to promoting optimal oral health and educating patients in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

The Dental Hygienist supports optimal oral health by providing dental debridement and prophylaxis; conducting oral cancer screenings and radiographic studies; charting conditions of decay and periodontal disease; applying dental sealants and preventive agents; and performing all procedures in compliance with the applicable Dental Practice Act and established clinical standards.

## Supervisory Responsibilities None

## Work Hours Full-Time Monday - Friday 7:45 AM to 5:00 PM

## Major Duties & Responsibilities

• Cleans calculus deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums using dental instruments.
• Examines gums using periodontal probes to identify recession and signs of periodontal disease. Palpates lymph nodes under the patients chin to detect swelling or tenderness that may indicate oral cancer.
• Applies fluoride and other cavity-preventive agents to arrest dental decay.
• Exposes and processes dental radiographs in accordance with safety standards.
• Reviews and records patient medical histories. Charts conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by the dentist.
• Maintains dental equipment and ensures instruments are sharpened, sterilized, and properly stored. Performs monthly spore testing and autoclave maintenance in accordance with infection control standards.
• Provides clinical services and oral health education to promote and maintain the oral health of patients and the community.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• As a vital member of Christ Health, participates in the patient care team and daily huddles as deemed necessary by the Core Care Team to ensure coordinated, high-quality care.

## Requirements

### Required Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of general principles of dentistry and advanced knowledge of dental hygiene.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Bi-lingual in Spanish is preferred.
• Requires clarity and accuracy of writing and verbal presentation; and interpersonal communication skills.
• Requires attention to detail, effective organization skills, ability to work in a fast-paced situation and ability to self-direct with minimal supervision.

### Education & Experience

• Associates degree or the successful completion of a recognized vocational program in dental hygiene.
• Alabama State Hygiene license required.
• Minimum of three to five years of clinical experience is preferred.
• Current Infectious Control Certification or verification of participation in recent classroom course.
• Current BLS/ACLS Certification required.

### Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform clinical duties requiring prolonged periods of standing, sitting, bending, and leaning.
• Ability to stoop, reach, and grasp using arms and hands, demonstrating fine motor skills and manual dexterity necessary to operate dental instruments and communicate effectively with patients and team members.
• Ability to lift, carry, and/or move up to 20 pounds as necessary to perform job-related tasks.
• Ability to position patients and equipment safely during treatment procedures.
• Ability to use a keyboard and visualize a computer monitor to enter and transform words or data. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

### OSHA Exposure Risks

• Personal exposure risk category I & II.
• Airborne personal exposure risk category I (Possible exposure of the healthcare worker to patients capable of transmitting M. tuberculosis). Universal precautions will be adhered to at all times.