Dental Hygienist

Position Summary:Works as part of a dental care team providing comprehensive, community based dental services consistent with RDH certification, to primarily pediatric patients and a limited population of adult patients.Key Responsibilities:• Performs standard dental hygiene treatments, oral evaluations, preventive dental health education, and mouth care. Ensure that each patient is briefly examined by a licensed dentist at each visit. Consults with a licensed dentist when referral for additional services is appropriate.• Reviews patient dental care history prior to patient appointment, Checks medical record for information as needed.• Follows all patient care standards, policies and procedures. Reviews and annotates patient oral, medical, family and social history• Takes, develops, mounts and files dental radiographs that meet the minimum departmental standards for quality and readability. Understands proper positioning technique and other requirements when taking panoramic and/or cephalometric films. Checks quality of image and reviews with provider before re-taking an image, to minimize exposure to radiation. Takes digital photographs as instructed. May scan physical (non-digital) images into electronic dental record.• Charts teeth and conditions in patient’s electronic dental record as directed by the licensed provider.• Educates patients/parents/caregivers about procedures, post-care treatment and long-term oral care. Modifies instructions and education to the appropriate age level as necessary.• Prepares for patient care by ensuring a clean and safe environment for direct care and that treatment materials/tools and educational materials are set up. Handles sterile instruments and materials according to standard procedures. Follows department/ADA approved procedures for disinfecting/cleaning operatory between patient visits.• Documents and enters charges for all procedures performed in a timely manner and according to departmental standards. Schedules appointments in system.Minimum QualificationsEducation:Associate's Degree is required. Dental Hygiene from an accredited dental hygiene program.Experience:Minimum of one year of full time experience in pediatric dentistry is required.Licensure/ Certifications:Current Massachusetts license as a Registered Dental Hygienist R.D.H.Current CPR Certification