Allied Health - Dental Hygienist
Profession: Dental Hygienist
Specialty: Medical
Duration: 46
Shift: Regular Shift
Hours per Shift: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Experience: One year of clinical dental hygiene practice
License: Currently licensed as a Registered Dental Hygienist
Certifications: CPR certification
Must-Have: Current driver’s license and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation background check
Description:
The Clinical Dental Hygienist is responsible for clinical dental hygiene duties in a public health facility.
This role involves performing routine dental hygiene procedures such as prophylaxis, debridement, scaling and root planing, and local anesthesia administration.
Additional tasks include fluoride varnish application, silver diamine fluoride application, and sealant placement according to department protocols.
Oral cancer screenings and oral health assessments, including periodontal evaluations and screenings, are essential responsibilities.
The position also requires the application of desensitizing and antimicrobial agents to treat dental sensitivity and periodontal infections.
Taking dental X-rays for diagnostic purposes and maintaining cleanliness by disinfecting the operatory and sterilizing instruments after each dental treatment is vital.
It involves managing and maintaining dental equipment and supplies, including autoclaves and dental unit water lines.
Providing appropriate post-treatment education for patients is a key responsibility.
Educating patients on proper oral hygiene practices, preventive care, and the link between oral health and overall health is essential.
The Clinical Dental Hygienist ensures the accomplishment of daily productivity goals in alignment with established guidelines.
This includes managing priorities and individual efficiency to meet identified goals.
The role also involves documenting patient information according to standards of care.
Completing patient dental health records, both electronic and paper, is required.
Collaboration with dentists on treatment plans and referrals is necessary.
Identifying and providing referrals for patients with urgent dental needs is part of the role.
Offering guidance on tobacco cessation, nutritional counseling, and promoting oral and systemic health is important.
Support for fluoridation programs and other population-wide dental health strategies is encouraged.
