Dental Hygienist

Job Title:       Dental Hygienist

Department:  Dental/Clinical

Reports To:    Dental Director/Dental Services Manager

FLSA Status:Non-Exempt

SUMMARY

The Dental Hygienist is to assist the dentist in providing oral health care to patients by cleaning, scaling and polishing teeth, taking and processing x-rays, and providing instructions on oral hygiene to patients, personnel and public.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

Works under the direct supervision of a dentist, promotes a team concept, maintains effective rapport with patients, dentists, other staff members and community.

Responsible for patient screening procedures such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of the health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection, dental charting and taking blood pressure and pulse.

Takes and develops dental radiographs (x-rays).

Removes calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth.

Applies preventive materials to the teeth (e.g. sealants and fluorides).

Teaches patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling).

Counsels patients regarding good nutrition and its impact on oral health.

Makes impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts (models of teeth used by dentists to evaluate patient treatment needs).

Performs documentation and office management activities.

Checks and maintains equipment and submits supply orders as necessary.

Follows infection control procedures for hygiene treatment area.

Reviews, selects and submits orders for patient education materials.

Works with Receptionist/Office Manager to schedule hygiene patients with efficiency.

Communicates effectively and professionally with patients, checks on patient comfort during treatment and helps to allay patient anxiety.

Performs other tasks assigned by Dentist.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

May supervise one dental assistant who assists in the performance of dental hygienist activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Graduate of a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (ADA) or comparable program with an Associate Degree or its equivalent and 2-4 years of experience and is licensed as a dental hygienist in the State of Mississippi. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.  Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.  Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.  Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.  Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must be licensed by the State of Mississippi as a Dental Hygienist. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand, reach with hands and arms, and taste or smell.  The employee is occasionally required to walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; color vision, depth perception, and ability adjust focus.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Graduate of a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (ADA) or comparable program with an Associate Degree or its equivalent and 2-4 years of experience and is licensed as a dental hygienist in the State of Mississippi. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must be licensed by the State of Mississippi as a Dental Hygienist. 

Benefits

Benefits:
	•	Competitive salary
	•	Health, dental, and vision insurance
	•	Paid time off and holidays
	•	401-k (up to 3% match) 
	•	Continuing education opportunities
	•	Supportive, team-oriented environment