Job Title

The Dental Hygienist provides direct patient care under the general supervision of the dentist and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. a. Customer Service Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery b. Patient Care Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently Provides gross debridement, deep scaling, and curettage and root planning procedures Cleans dental prostheses, fixed and removable Manages dental recall system, referring patients to the doctor for additional care when needed Applies desensitizing and sealant materials Administers topical anesthetic agents Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols c. Patient Education Provides patient education appropriate to the veteran's needs and oral condition Prepares and provides individual and group oral health care instruction to inpatients, outpatients, caregivers d. Dental Imaging Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized e. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Demonstrates proper infection procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images f. Clerical Functions Assists patients in scheduling appointments Assists in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments Charts findings, treatments plans, and treatment provided in patient records g. Information Management Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information Follows computer security regulations h. Patient Safety Modifies care as appropriate for patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position) Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients Participates in patient identification and time out per JCAHO requirements Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress i. Employee Education Complies with Employee Education requirements Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00am-4:30pm Compressed Schedule Compressed/Flexible: Available