Dental Hygienist

GATEWAY COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER INC; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Gateway Community Health Center Inc. is seeking a Dental Hygienist at the Central Clinic in Laredo, TX. The incumbent will perform prophylaxis, fluoride treatments, radiographs, and charting under the supervision of the Chief Dental Officer.

The role requires Texas licensure, ongoing CE, CPR certification, and strong patient communication skills. Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred, with a focus on community health education and adherence to OSHA standards.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited school of Dental Hygiene.
• Must be currently licensed in the State of Texas.
• Must meet State Board requirements to maintain license in good standing.
• Proficient in taking vital signs.
• Must maintain continuing education requirements including a current CPR certificate.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Working knowledge of computer.

Responsibilities

• Provide dental prophylaxis and fluoride treatments.
• Screen and set preliminary chart for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
• Perform pit and fissure sealants, scaling and root planning.
• Perform cavitron scaling as indicated by dentist.
• Take radiographs on patients as requested by dentist.
• Record all treatment in charts.
• Place patients on recall system and assist with scheduling.
• Follow OSHA standards and sterilization guidelines.
• Maintain handpieces and scalers.
• Sharpen and maintain all scalers.
• Restock hygiene operatory per inventory protocols.
• Advise dental director of equipment and supply needs.
• Provide oral health education to patients and community groups as directed.
• Participate in Center’s Peer Review Process.
• May supervise dental hygiene students and assist training for OSHA requirements.

Skills

Vital signs

Bilingual English/Spanish

Computer literacy

Effective communication

Education

Accredited Dental Hygiene program graduate

Job description

Job Location: Central Clinic - Laredo, TX 78041

Description

Primary responsibility is to provide technical aspects of dental hygiene which involve prophylactic dental treatments and oral health education.

Supervision

Directly supervised by the Chief Dental Officer.

Typical Physical Demands

Requires prolonged hours standing, bending, stooping and may be required to move up to 25 pounds.

Functions and Responsibilities

• Provide dental prophylaxis and fluoride treatments.
• Screens and sets preliminary chart for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
• Performs pit and fissure sealants, scaling and root planning.
• Performs cavitron scaling as indicated by dentist.
• Takes radiographs on patients as requested by dentist.
• Records all treatment in charts.
• Places dental patients on a recall system upon completion of prophylactic treatment and may be required to help in scheduling of patients.
• Follows OSHA standards and guidelines for sterilization procedures.
• Maintains handpieces and scalers according to manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Sharpens and maintains all scalers.
• Maintains and restocks the hygiene operatory in conjunction with casting inventory protocols.
• Advices dental director of equipment and supply needs.
• Provides, as directed by dental director, oral dental health education to patients, parents of pediatric patients, school age children or other community organizations at designated sites.
• Must participate in Center’s Peer Review Process.
• May also be asked to supervise dental/dental hygienist students for teaching purposes according to qualifications of hygienist.
• May also be asked to help in training personnel for OSHA requirements and infection control according to qualifications of hygienist.
• Must wear required personal protection when handling exposed instruments and equipment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be a graduate from an accredited school of Dental Hygiene.
• Must be currently licensed in the State of Texas.
• Must meet State Board requirements to maintain license in good standing.
• Must be proficient in taking vital signs.
• Must maintain continuing education requirements including a current CPR certificate.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.
• Must have a working knowledge of computer.

Skills and Abilities

• Must be able to use a variety of dental equipment.
• Must be able to follow instructions.
• Working knowledge of acceptable office procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patient population.
• Must be familiar with principles of nutrition and dental health, various dental instruments and medications.