Dental Hygienist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Dental Hygienist is responsible for assessing and delivering direct patient care. Utilizing effective oral hygiene procedures and protocols to treat, educate, and reinforce good health outcomes for the patient. 

Team members are expected to uphold the health center mission by assuring that patients receive health care that is competent, caring, and meets with a high degree of satisfaction. In addition, staff must support FPCSN's commitment to the creation of a trauma-informed system of care that continually recognizes and responds to the impact of traumatic stress on all those who have contact with the organization, including children, adults, families, caregivers, and staff. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct Patient Care
  • Assesses dental conditions and risk with patient screening procedures which includes medical history review and dental charting in the EHR.
  • Performs routine treatment procedures, such as cleaning, polishing, x-rays, application of sealants, fluorides and varnishes, and related procedures.
  • Develops and implements individualized dental care plans for patients; performs patient education and risk protocols, discharge planning, and patient/family teaching under the supervision of a dentist.
  • Performs patient triage and initiates patient care as appropriate for walk-in patients.

• Indirect Patient Care
  • Provides chair-side assistance to dentist in the performance of special tests, procedures, and complex treatments.
  • Documents dental history reports on pertinent observations, and other relevant patient information in the EHR.
  • Documents lab procedures and ensures follow up on results.

• Maintenance of Laboratory Equipment and Supplies
  • Assists in the maintenance of all Dental Department areas in compliance with Dental Department directives and policies as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues.
  • Assist with managing hygiene inventory and supplies.
  • Ensure use of downtime to include cleaning/disinfecting and sterilizing office instruments, clean and stocking operatory.
  • Performs routine cleaning and maintenance of dental equipment in assigned operatories and for the assigned equipment. Regularly and thoroughly performs maintenance of assigned equipment.

• General/Admin
  • Assist with insurance preauthorization process for periodontal scaling and root planning to assure follow-up on all denials and scheduling for all approved cases.
  • Manage the continuing care recall system.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS:
Candidates should possess a diverse range of skills and experience including but not limited to:

Required Education and Experience

• Diploma from an accredited U.S. program with a Dental Hygienist degree
• Pennsylvania State Licensure as a Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner.
• Pennsylvania State Local Anesthesia Licensure

Required Skills and Abilities

• Competent with Electronic Dental Records
• Proficient with digital x-ray capture.
• Proficient with CCD digital x-ray capture.
• Ability to independently assess the nature and extent of dental, both periodontal and caries risk assessments, and associated conditions and pathology in dental patients.

Lifting Requirements

LIGHT – Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The use of arm and/or leg control requires force greater than sedentary, but worker still sits majority of time.

Physical Requirement

• Stand or Sit (stationary position)
• Walk
• Use hands or fingers to handle or feel (operate, activate, prepare, inspect, position)
• Climb (stairs/ladders)
• Talk/Hear (communicate, converse, convey, express/exchange information)
• See (detect, identify, recognize, inspect, assess)
• Pushing or Pulling
• Repetitive Motion
• Reaching (high or low)
• Kneel, Stoop, Crouch or Crawl (position self, move)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, and veteran or disability status.

VISA SPONSORSHIP:

FPCSN does not provide Visa Sponsorship. All candidates must be US Citizens and/or authorized to work in the United States without Sponsorship.

ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT:

FPCSN is committed to maintaining a professional and welcoming environment for all staff and patients. We support continuous learning and team development that enhances cultural understanding, service excellence, and workplace collaboration.