Dental Hygienist

1. Provides high quality clinical services to patients

• Assists in the oral health management of all clinic patients
• Obtains baseline oral hygiene assessment data based upon accepted principles of oral hygiene and periodontal care
• Provides oral health education and appropriate individual counseling for all center dental patients
• Provides clinical oral hygiene services including dental prophylaxis, scaling, sealant application and fluoride application consistent with accepted professional practices and standards and in compliance with applicable state law and the center’s clinical protocols
• Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by a dentist in accordance with state regulations and law as well as Dental Department protocol and directive
• Assists with various other clinical functions of the Dentistry Department as appropriate and if time permits

2. Performs non-clinical activities related to patient care

• Records patient-hygienist transactions as they occur in the patient’s dental record so that the dental record accurately and completely reflects the nature of the contact, the condition of the patient, and the care or treatment provided
• Integration of appropriate patient dental hygiene care with other health care professionals involved in the patient’s health care management
• Assists in the maintenance of all Dental Department areas in compliance with Dental Department directive and policies as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control, and safety issues
• Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business, and patient care of the Dental Department
• Assists with various other non-clinical functions of the Dentistry Department as appropriate and if time permits
•  Ensures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Dental Department directive and center policy as well as state federal regulations(s)
• Complies in full with the center’s Exposure Control Plan
• As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives
• Responsible for personal compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and center rules, regulations, protocols, and procedures governing the practice of dental hygiene and the clinical provision of dental hygiene services as well as those relating to, but not limited to, personnel issues, workplace safety, public health, and confidentiality

3. Meets agency participatory expectation

• Adheres to all agency and departmental policies and procedures
• Participates in quality assessment and improvement activities as requested
• Adheres to the highest principles of patient and client confidentiality
• Adheres to established safety policies, procedures and precautions; identifies potential or actual unsafe situations in the environment and takes measures to rectify the situation
• Attends all required meetings, in-services, and professional training
• Maintains professional competence necessary to perform job responsibilities; maintains and provides the agency with records of continuing education activities
• Serves on agency committees and in professional organizations when requested

4. Performs other related job duties as required.

• Graduation from an accredited School of Dental Hygiene
• Unrestricted license to practice Dental Hygiene in the State of Massachusetts
• Current CPR (BLS) Certification
• Local anesthesia certification
• Working knowledge of all phases of the field of dental hygiene
• Skill in the techniques of oral hygiene procedures and the use of equipment, instruments, and materials
• Knowledge and practice of preventive dentistry and ability to instruct patients
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients and staff
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 
• Experience working in an ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse environment preferred 
• Ability to work harmoniously with diverse groups of individuals required

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, unpleasant odors and/or loud noises
• Moderate physical activity Requires handling average-weight objects up to 15-20 pounds, assisting with patients and standing and/or walking for most the day
• Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and will require OSHA training
• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment 

 $49 / hour