Dental Hygienist Practitioner

UPMC; Altoona (PA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Dental Hygienist/Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner. In this role, you will provide essential dental care services and education to clients, ensuring their oral health needs are met without direct supervision from a dentist. Your responsibilities will include performing preventive treatments, maintaining patient records, and assisting in clinic operations. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on community health while working in a supportive and professional environment. If you are passionate about dental hygiene and committed to patient care, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Must possess a degree in dental hygiene and relevant certifications.
• Experience in a clinical setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform dental hygiene services including cleaning and patient education.
• Maintain accurate patient records and assist in clinic procedures.

Skills

Dental Hygiene

Oral Health Education

Patient Care

Record Keeping

Education

Dental Hygiene Degree

Local Anesthesia Certification

Job description

Purpose:
The Dental Hygienist/Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner performs prophylactic and therapeutic services and conducts client education for the prevention and control of dental disease without the dentist being present.

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates appropriate precautions for blood/body fluid exposure.
• Cleans and cares for teeth within the scope of dental standards of care including polishing, scaling, and root planing. Provides oral health education. May perform other approved dental care and preventive treatments, such as topical application of fluoride and dental sealants.
• Demonstrates understanding of age-specific needs of the dental client population.
• The Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner performs all services of a dental hygienist without the authorization, assignment, or examination by a dentist.
• Not required, but with local anesthesia certification, may administer local anesthesia under the direct supervision of the dentist.
• Responds appropriately to emergencies (i.e. cardiac arrest, fire drills, etc.)
• Demonstrates commitment to and enthusiasm for goals and standards of care.
• Performs supply inventories.
• Performs other similar and related duties as assigned by the Coordinator, or as needed by the Clinic.
• Assists dentists, dental assistants and expanded function dental assistants when needed.
• Assists the dentist in the organization and implementation of clinic procedures and systems
• The Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner maintains a dental record, for 5 years from the date of last treatment entry, which accurately, legibly, and completely reflects the dental hygiene services provided to the patient including the following: (a) name and address of the patient and, if the patient is a minor, the name of the patient's parents or legal guardian; (b) the date dental hygiene services are provided; (c) a description of the treatment or services rendered at each visit; (d) the date and type of radiographs taken, if any, and documentation demonstrating the necessity or justification for taking radiographs, as well as the radiographs themselves; and (e) documentation of the annual referral to a dentist
• Advises patients on proper home care and treatment of teeth and gum tissues.
• Maintains accurate records of services performed; communicates appropriate and accurate information to the health care team.
• Performs care/services with respect for the patient's dignity, privacy, individuality, and rights.
• Is accountable and adaptable to all Clinic safety procedures, continuing education requirements, operational procedures, corporate compliance requirements, occupational exposure policies, disaster plans, infection control policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Takes and develops radiographs
• Assists in the supervision of dental hygienist students.
• Offers suggestions to improve work methods or procedures. Participates in Quality Improvement Process.
• Share responsibilities with the dental assistant for the proper cleaning, packing, and storage of supplies and instruments.