Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist

Performs moderately complex dental hygienist work. Work involves cleaning, scaling, and polishing teeth; and conducting educational programs for the prevention under the control of dental disease. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Provide services to the clinic's patients in accordance with the general policies and standards of performance established by the clinic.

Job Description

• Provide treatment room for patients by adhering to prescribed procedures and protocols.
• Develop prevention programs for patients, provide patient education and oral hygiene instruction, reinforce treatment plan needs for patients.
• Administer local anesthetic to patients.
• Prepare patients for dental hygiene treatment by welcoming, soothing, seating, and draping them.
• Maintain hygiene operatory and instrumentation for dental hygiene treatment by sharpening, sterilizing, and selecting instruments.
• Select materials and equipment for dental hygiene visits by evaluating patients' oral health.
• Complete dental prophylaxis by cleaning deposits and stains from teeth and beneath gum margins.
• Detect disease by completing oral cancer screening; feeling and visually examining gums; using probes to locate periodontal disease and to assess levels of recession; exposing and developing radiographic studies.
• Take x-rays, chart for exam appointments and Perio Exams, and provide chair-side assistance as needed and when requested.
• Apply pit and fissure sealant to teeth to include fluoride and varnish.
• Arrest dental decay by applying fluorides and other cavity-preventing agents.
• Help dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drugs and oxygen supply, and directory of emergency numbers.
• Educate patients by giving oral hygiene and plaque control instructions and postoperative instructions, providing reminders of the time of the next dental hygiene visit.
• Document dental hygiene services by recording vital signs and medical and dental histories; charting in patient records.
• Maintain patient confidence and protect operations by keeping information confidential.
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Protect patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Ensure operation of dental hygiene equipment by completing preventative maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques.
• Maintain dental hygiene supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
• Conserve dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Comply with MHSI's policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related duties as needed.

Requirements

• Education: Graduate of an accredited dental hygiene program, licensed to practice in the State of Wisconsin.
• Experience: Knowledge of dental disease prevention techniques; of dental prophylaxis techniques and procedures; and of public health dental programs.
• Expertise: Skill in the use of dental tools and equipment. Ability to clean and care for human teeth; to instruct patients in the proper care of teeth and gums; to expose, develop, and mount X-rays; to maintain records; and to prepare concise reports.
• Language: Comprehend and use basic language either written or spoken to communicate information and ideals.
• License/Certification: Registered Dental Hygienist (Required).

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Schedule

Monday to Friday

Pay

$30.63 - $52.00 per hour

Expected Hours

40 per week

Additional Information

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply.