Dental Hygienist

JOB SUMMARY

Assesses patient needs, and plans and delivers direct dental care and associated services to patients. Utilizes established dental hygiene protocol and procedures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assesses dental condition and needs of patient; uses patient screening procedures, to include medical history review, dental charting, and perio charting; takes patient vital signs as required.

Delivers direct patient care to patients as assigned, using established dental hygienist procedures; performs routine treatment procedures such as cleaning, polishing, periodontal scaling and root planning, x-rays, application of sealants and fluorides, and related procedures.

Develops and implements individualized dental care plans for patients; performs patient education, discharge planning, and patient/family teaching under the supervision of a qualified dentist.

Provides chair-side assistance to dentist in the performance of special tests, procedures, and complex treatments.

Makes impressions of patients' teeth for study casts.

Documents dental history or chief complaint; records and reports pertinent observations and patient reactions to dental staff, as appropriate.

Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment of patients.

May participate in community and school activities.

Performs patient triage and initiates patient care as appropriate for walk-in patients.

Assists in preparation of patient care areas, and in the patient admission, transfer, and discharge process, as required; prepares reports and assists as required with patient reception, telephone calls, routine triage, and other office duties.

Adheres to the terms and conditions set forth in BSHC’s corporate compliance program.

Ensures confidential information in accordance with BSHC’s policy and current HIPAA regulations.

Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

Associate’s degree from an accredited Dental Hygiene program.

Current license as a Dental Hygienist in Kentucky.

2 years’ experience directly related to duties and responsibilities preferred.