Bear Lake Community Health Center is looking for a full-time Dental Hygienist for a busy family practice clinic to travel between Montpelier Idaho and Garden City Utah. The role of a Dental Hygienist is to perform skilled technical dental hygiene procedures, as outlined by state licensure, under the direction of the dentist.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Greet patients, establish rapport and a supportive climate; review medical history, and make changes as necessary.
- Clean, sterilize, maintain, and store various dental instruments and set up necessary trays for procedural use.
- Identify any pain or other dental problems the patient is having; do diagnostic x-rays as needed to magnify the problem area.
- Do regular cleaning and new patient assessment; take bitewing x-rays and assess bone loss furcation involvement.
- Accurately assess the periodontium with both (+) and (-) pocketing to determine Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL) and recognize the implications of both. Provide direct patient care: provide prophylaxis, fluoride treatment, sealants, patient education, period examinations, recommend and treat Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) when indicated, application of desensitizing medication, oral cancer examination, provide local anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide, and other procedures as directed by the dentist.
- Accurately assess and help in the diagnosis of periodontal issues.
- Educate the patient about periodontal concerns in a way that patient understands and complies with.
- Keep accurate and up-to-date records on the treatment needed, treatment completed, and any other significant data collected.
- Maintain inventory of supplies and items needed for hygiene.
- Provide treatment and education to patients in dental hygiene and pre-and post-operative care; especially in relating the importance of regular recall appointments, restorative care completion, and the patient’s role in their oral and overall health.
- Maintain current licensure and certification in Dental Hygiene, Local Anesthesia, CPR, and any other training required by BLCHC.
- Understand aseptic technique: wear gloves, and when appropriate, masks and/or nervous, especially children.
- Clean operational equipment regularly.
- Be consistently understanding and calming to patients who are anxious and/or nervous, especially children. Have the ability to change education presentations to make sure understanding and care are felt by the patient.
- Assist with the billing process in pre-qualifying patients for care as well as discovering and documenting what each insurance plan will pay for.
- Establish the patient bill and forward this information to the billing group.
- Assist with the flow of the office as needed without direction.
- Comply with ‘Universal Precautions’ for infection control.
- Communicate patient needs/requests with providers and administrative assistants.
- Update patient information and charts as necessary, including input of data, radiographs, and the scanning of documents.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Current licensure as a Dental Hygienist with Local Anesthesia certification.
- Graduation from an accredited Dental Hygiene School and completion of Dental Hygiene Boards are needed for an active license.
- Current CPR certification.
- Two years of experience in a dental clinic.
- The ability to carry out functions as described by the Department of Occupational Licensing and BLCHC.
- The ability to operate a computer system and basic computer skills.
- The ability to become proficient in the use of computerized imaging and electronic dental record programs.
- The ability to communicate effectively with patients and staff.
- Possess and apply the skills necessary to effectively treat patients of all age groups, regardless of the special needs of the patient.
- Perform duties in a manner that is both professional and compassionate.
Bear Lake Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.