DENTAL HYGIENIST

Family Care Health Centers; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Family Care Health Centers in St. Louis is seeking a Dental Hygienist to provide dental prophylaxis and educate patients on oral hygiene. Candidates must be graduates from an accredited Dental Hygiene school with a valid Missouri license and ideally have prior experience. Responsibilities include performing dental cleanings, providing patient instructions, and assisting in dental treatments. Commitment to FCHC core values and patient-centered care is essential. This role supports diverse patient needs within a community-focused environment.

Qualifications

• License to practice in the State of Missouri and in good standing.
• Previous training and/or experience as a Dental Assistant is desirable.
• At least one year of successful work experience as Dental Hygienist preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs dental prophylaxis through cleaning, scaling, and polishing of teeth.
• Provides instruction to patients on appropriate oral hygiene care.
• Applies topical fluoride and other prescribed medications.
• Assists dental providers in treatments and diagnostic exams as needed.

Skills

Dental prophylaxis

Patient education

X-ray exposure

Oral hygiene instruction

CPR certification

Education

Graduate from a nationally accredited school of Dental Hygiene

Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) or Licensed Dental Hygienist (LDH) in Missouri

Job description

Basic Function

Provides dental prophylaxis to patients and educates patients about the need for proper oral hygiene care and assists the dentist in delivering other oral health services in accordance with the Missouri Dental Board Dental Practice Act and Rules.

Service Standards

All employees of FCHC must ensure service standards are delivered, including:

FCHC Core Values

• Demonstrates a commitment to FCHC mission and vision.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude towards patients, employees, role, and the health center.
• Demonstrates FCHC core values (accountability, courtesy, excellence, flexibility, integrity, respect).

Customer Service and Professionalism

• Smiles and makes appropriate contact, greets individuals upon entry into building.
• Is customer-service oriented to both internal (colleagues) and external (patients, clients, vendors, etc.) customers.
• Provides timely response to requests, tasks, and inquiries; demonstrates good service turnaround.
• Demonstrates good communication skills and communicates in a tactful manner.
• Exhibits conflict resolution skills to foster effective working relationships and embraces a team approach.
• Adheres to FCHC’s dress code policies; appearance and grooming appropriate.

Shows Commitment

• Consistently shows commitment to position and team performance (attendance and punctuality).
• Considers and accepts cultural differences; works well with individuals of diverse backgrounds, supporting a culture of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Participates in training and professional development, completing required trainings timely.

Safety

• Adheres to and promotes a culture of safety and cleanliness.
• Adheres to HIPAA/Confidentiality standards.
• Respects FCHC property; properly and safely uses Health Center equipment.

Intradepartmental Relationships

Department Officer: Chief Dental Officer and/or Interim Chief Dental Officer

Reports to: Chief Dental Officer and/or Interim Chief Dental Officer, Associate Dental Director, and/or Dental Program Manager

Supervises: None

Job Description

Department: Dental Services

Job Title: Dental Hygienist

Primary Responsibilities

• Greets patients and escorts to treatment area.
• Performs dental prophylaxis through cleaning, scaling, and polishing of teeth and restorations.
• Exposes various x‑ray films, as directed.
• Provides instruction to patients on appropriate oral hygiene care and dietary/nutritional advice based on evaluation.
• Applies topical fluoride and other prescribed medications, antiseptic sprays, and rinses.
• Assists other staff members in ensuring treatment areas are kept clean and sanitized.
• Determines appropriate intervals between cleanings and assists with scheduling.
• Applies pit and fissure sealants to sound teeth as treatment planned by Dentist.
• Maintains physical condition of clinical area and dental equipment/instruments.
• Maintains universal precautions.
• Performs initial examination of teeth and tissue for carious lesions, periodontal pockets, and abnormal conditions; informs Dentist of any problems.
• Assists dental providers in treatments and diagnostic exams as needed.
• Coordinates patient recall system.
• Maintains records and statistical data as assigned.
• Computer use and knowledge.
• Maintains CPR certification, continuing education requirements, and licensure.
• Monitors procedures: preliminary review of health history, charting, oral analysis, and recording vital signs.
• Removes plaque and calculus from above and below the gumline.
• Performs other duties within scope of practice and in accordance with state regulations.

Periodic Duties

• Participates in health center staff problem-solving groups.
• Attends and participates in departmental meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Relationships

Inside Health Center: All inclusive.

Outside Health Center: Patients/Clients, students, vendors, community health agencies, visitors.

Qualifications

• Graduate from a nationally accredited school of Dental Hygiene.
• License to practice in the State of Missouri and in good standing.
• Previous training and/or experience as a Dental Assistant (Certified or expanded duties) desirable.
• At least one year of successful work experience as Dental Hygienist preferred.
• Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) or Licensed Dental Hygienist (LDH) in Missouri required.

Continued Education

As required by the State of Missouri Dental Board Dental Practice Act and Rules.