Job Summary:  The dental hygienist is responsible for conducting oral examinations, performing dental prophylaxis, and carrying out other duties related to preservation of dental health and prevention of dental disease.

Job Duties:

• Performs oral prophylaxis on patients, scaling, root planning and polishing the teeth to remove stains, plaque, and calculus from tooth surfaces using hand scalers, ultrasonic cleaning instruments and motor or air driven dental polishers.
• Examining the mouth to determine if there are dental problems such as conditions of periodontal disease or tooth decay, chart findings, and reports same to dentist.
• Instructs patients in proper methods of tooth brushing and flossing techniques, care and cleaning or dentures, maintenance of oral health, and/or proper usage of non-prescription medication.
• Creates and maintains dental treatment charts and records.
• Exposes and processes dental radiographs using bite wings, periapical films, and related equipment; reads dental radiographs and alerts dentist to observations.
• Assists dentist at chairside during restorative, surgical, and endodontic procedures.
• Practices and maintains proper infectious disease control procedures, including cleaning and sterilization of dental instruments and disinfection of dental equipment.
• Maintains dental instruments and equipment in proper working order; follows procedures to maintain security of medications, instruments, and needles.
• Applies topical fluorides, topical anesthetics, and desensitizing agents to teeth and/or gums.
• Perform other tasks as directed by the dentist to facilitate the mission of Valley Health Systems in meeting the needs of our patient population.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene
• Appropriate board licensure
• Public Health permit preferred