Dental Hygienist

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

Under the supervision of the Practice Manager and Dental Director, will perform dental prophylactic treatments; take radiographs and intra oral images; obtain blood pressure readings, and provide dental hygiene care information to patients. Assists with other duties as backup to other office personnel as is required.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform dental hygiene and administer prophylactic treatments; remove calcareous deposits, accretions and stains and/or swab gums with medication. Instruct patients in care of teeth and mouth. Document all prophylactic treatments to patient chart, chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by the treating dentist.

Document all prophylactic treatments to patient chart; chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by the treating dentist.

Escort patients to and from operatory; pull and file patient charts; schedule and confirm hygiene appointments and maintain recall system.

Take radiographs and intra oral images as required to assist in diagnosing treatments.

Maintain accepted standards of asepsis including scrubbing and sterilizing hygiene instruments.

Perform select clerical duties of other office support staff in the general dental clinic when there are significant slow periods or to provide relief when there are illnesses or vacation, or they do not have a patient (i.e. pulling and filing, calling patients for recall).

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.

• Must possess basic computer efficiencies and the ability to learn software systems

• Attentive to detail.

• Ability to provide compassionate care to patients and educate them in post visit and post procedure care.

• Ability to respond appropriately to emergency situations.

• Ability to conduct a brief oral exam and take appropriate x-rays.

• Knowledge of Universal Precautions

• Knowledge of Dental Radiology

• Knowledge of head and neck anatomy & physiology

• Knowledge of aseptic techniques

• Knowledge of basic CPR

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or REGISTRATIONS:

• Possesses Massachusetts state registration in Dental Hygiene.

EDUCATION:

• Minimum of Associate's degree, Bachelor's preferred or graduate of accredited program of Dental Hygiene.

EXPERIENCE:

• 3- 5 years experience as a dental hygienist preferred.

• Previous experience with dental practice management, electronic charting, and digital radiography systems required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• N/A

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:

• N/A

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• General ambulatory care setting
• MGH Danvers Dental Group home based but may be pulled to cover Boston when needed.