Dental Hygienist

Sulzbacher Center; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A community health center in Jacksonville, FL is seeking a dedicated Dental Hygienist to promote dental health through clinical procedures and patient education. Responsibilities include performing patient screenings, cleaning teeth, and maintaining records while ensuring compliance with dental regulations. Candidates should have an Associate Degree and at least one year of experience in the field, along with superior communication skills and a commitment to patient care.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year experience in dental hygiene.
• Ability to pass a Level II Background Screening.
• Excellent understanding of overall dentistry protocols.

Responsibilities

• Conduct patient screening procedures under dentist supervision.
• Perform dental x-rays and clean teeth.
• Provide oral health education and maintain patient records.

Skills

Dental hygiene procedures

Patient education

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Associate Degree

Job description

The Dental Hygienist helps promote dental health by completing dental prophylaxis, providing oral cancer screening and radiographic studies, charting conditions of decay and disease, and performing teeth and gum cleaning procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist and in compliance with the dental practice act. He/she may also perform a variety of administrative tasks as requested by the Director, Dental Services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the direct supervision of a dentist, the Dental Hygienist performs patient screening procedures, such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection, and vital signs
• Feels and visually examines gums for sores and signs of disease
• Takes and develops dental x-rays
• Cleans calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums
• Applies preventative materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants and fluorides)
• Makes impressions of patients’ teeth study casts when required
• Teaches patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies/practices to maintain oral health (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing, nutritional counseling)
• May provide clinical services and health education to improve and maintain oral health
• Completes all relevant charting, documentation and follow-up. Maintains patient-related paperwork, including federal and state mandated forms, patient diagnostic records and progress notes
• Participates in quality assurance/improvement and risk management efforts
• Participates in all appropriate team meetings and required training sessions
• Participates in other clinical or administrative projects as assigned by the Director, Dental Services

RESIDENT, GUEST AND INTERNAL CUSTOMER FOCUS

The Dental Hygienist is sensitive to cultural, spiritual and practical needs of resident, families, guests and staff members in all interactions. He/she provides positive feedback and comments about the quality of work and effort that have been offered by patients, residents, families and coworkers, and adjusts priorities and schedules to meet specific customer needs. The Hygienist reports and/or corrects problems related to safety, cleanliness and comfort of resident, patient and work areas, and follows Universal Precautions and Infection Control techniques. He/she demonstrates an understanding of their role in facility safety plans and procedures related to fire, weather and other disasters.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Qualifications:

• Associate Degree required
• Minimum of 1 year experience
• Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instruments
• Excellent understanding of overall dentistry and dental hygienist procedures and protocols
• Superior communication and patient care skills
• Knowledge of dental patient screening and medical history documentation
• Ability to pass a Level II Background Screening

Physical/Mental Demands & Working Conditions

• Transportation and valid driver’s license
• Physically able to work in a fast paced environment
• Able to travel locally
• Works in typical clinical office setting