Dental Hygienist

Here at SNAHC, you are joining a team and company at a time of growth and transformation. You will love being surrounded by people who are as passionate as you are about healthcare and giving back to the community. Please note that individual total compensation for this position will be determined at the Company's sole discretion and the wage range for this role considers a wide range of factors including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. At SNAHC, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $46.67 - $63.14/HR.

Position Summary:

This Dental Hygienist will enable the dentist to make more efficient use of his/her time by carrying out specific tasks. The Hygienist is responsible for the delivery of oral hygiene and appropriate preventative services to the patients of the practice as directed by the dentist.

Essential Functions:

• Takes blood pressure and records in patient chart.
• Assists in insuring patient comfort and alleviating patient fears.
• Prepares operatory for patient reception and adhere to Cal/OSHA infection Control Standard protocols.
• Obtains materials and other necessary diagnostic and treatment items necessary for planned procedure.
• Prepares pre-set trays for anticipated procedure and ensures the work area is organized for that procedure.
• Autoclaves all instruments for next day.
• Prepares treatment room for patient by adhering to prescribed procedures and protocols.
• Prepares patient for dental hygiene treatment by welcoming, soothing, seating, and draping patient.
• Maintains instrumentation for dental hygiene treatment by sharpening, sterilizing, and selecting instruments.
• Selects materials and equipment for dental hygiene visit by evaluating patient's oral health.
• Completes dental prophylaxis by cleaning deposits and stains from teeth and from beneath gum margins.
• Detects 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.
• Arrests dental decay by applying fluorides and other cavity- preventing agents.
• Maintains patient appearance and ability to masticate by fabricating temporary restorations, cleaning and polishing removable appliances, placing and polishing sealants and removing cement from crowns and bridges.
• Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drugs, oxygen supply, and directory of emergency numbers.
• Educates patients by giving oral hygiene and plaque control instructions and postoperative instructions, providing reminders for next dental hygiene visit.
• Counsels patients on nutrition as related to oral hygiene.
• Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing regular maintenance requirements, following manufacturer's instructions, troubleshooting malfunctions, calling for repairs, maintaining equipment inventories and evaluating new equipment and techniques.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks and participating in professional dental Hygiene societies.
• Prepares patients requiring anesthesia to assist dentists when necessary.
• Retracts oral tissues to increase visual access into the oral cavity.
• Removes excess saliva and watches mouth by using hi-vac systems and/or air.
• Documents dental hygiene services as well as charting in patient records..
• Ensures compliance with HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality requirements.
• Works towards the integration of appropriate dental hygiene care with other health care professionals involved in the patients’ health care management.
• Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinical business, and patient care as related to the practice.
• Compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations, as they pertain to position including; HIPAA, sexual harassment, Scope of Practice, OSHA etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current California Registered Dental Hygienist License is required.
• At least two years of experience preferably in a community clinic setting.
• Experience with electronic health record system required.
• Ability to chart visits comprehensively and complete E&M coding in compliance with dental coding standards.
• Must possess dental x-ray and coronal polish license.
• Knowledge of preventative dentistry for plaque control instruction.
• Ability to work well under pressure, reach sound conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Computer experience, preferably with Windows, including Microsoft Office Suite applications with the proven ability to type 50 wpm.
• Must have current CPR certification.

Licenses & Certifications

• Dental Hygienist License