Registered Dental Hygienist

The Dental Hygienist is licensed to practice in the state of Missouri. He/she may work under general supervision, direct supervision, and indirect supervision with the supervising Dentist responsible for patient care. All employed Dental Hygienist will be ultimately responsible to the Chief Operations Officer.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Dental Hygienist, may provide the following treatment:

Under General Supervision

* Scale and polish teeth (prophylaxis).
* Apply dental sealants.
* Periodontal scaling and root planning, debridement, and curettage (without local anesthesia).Nonsurgical periodontal procedures.
* Obtain radiographs as prescribed by the Dentist.
* Provide tele-dentistry services when necessary.
* Indirect Supervision
* Administer nitrous oxide analgesia.
* Administer local anesthesia.
* All procedures allowed under general supervision.

Additional Responsibilities:

* Assess dental conditions and needs of patients using patient screening procedures, including medical history review, dental charting, and periodontal charting.
* Deliver direct patient care using established dental hygiene procedures.
* Make impressions of patients’ teeth for study cast.
* Record keeping.
* Document patient dental history and chief complaint.
* Record and report pertinent observations and patient reactions to dental staff.
* Document lab procedures and ensure follow up on results.
* Teach patients how to prevent tooth decay and gum disease through proper diet and oral homecare.
* Clean and sterilize instruments.
* Dental outreach- participate when required in out of the office programs during dental outreach events.
* Take vital signs.
* Perform other duties, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Possess the amount of training and/or degree from an accredited school of Dental Hygiene.

Pass a clinical exam and national exam administered by the American Dental Association’s Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.

Active Missouri licensure.

BLS – Basic Life Support

Must be motivated to serve the needs of patients and perform services to benefit people and Missouri Highlands Health Care.

Must possess and utilize tact and patience.

Must possess a clean and neat professional appearance as well as good hygiene habits.

Education & Experience Requirements:

Possess the amount of training and/or degree from an accredited school of Dental Hygiene.

Pass a clinical exam and national exam administered by the American Dental Association’s Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.

Active Missouri licensure.

BLS – Basic Life Support