The Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) is a preventive oral health professional. The RDH will work in partnership with dentists in providing optimal oral healthcare to the public. The RDH is expected to make clinical dental hygiene decisions, plan, implement, and evaluate the dental hygiene component of the overall oral health of the patient. In addition to routine prophylaxes, and deep cleanings, with, or without local anesthetic, oral health instruction is integral to the position. The RDH must have a professional license, requiring specialized skills.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Supports and implements the organizations vision, mission and value.
2. Determines priorities and method of completing daily workload to insure that all responsibilities are carried out in a timely manner.
3. Performs all job functions in a professional and courteous manner. This includes answering all phone calls and emails timely and providing excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
4. Fosters and promotes a culture of service excellence and accountability.
5. Provide preventative, and educational dental services to patients
6. Setup, cleanup, and disinfect operatories in accordance with Universal Precautions and OSHA Guidelines before and after patient treatment.
7. Debride and sterilize dental instruments in accordance with Universal Precautions and OSHA Guidelines.
8. Take and process x-rays as needed.
9. Maintain properly written patient records
10. Performs dental, and periodontal charting, including pocket depths, and mobility, and all other periodontal measurements as requested by the providing dentist, including detailed descriptions of gingivae, and periodontium.
11. Removes plaque, and calculus from teeth both above, and below the gumline
12. Applies caries-preventive agents such as fluorides, and sealants
13. Administers local anesthetic agents when a dentist is present on the premises
14. Treats an adequate number of patients per day in order to sustain the mission, and vision of the organization.
15. Documents descriptions of procedures including tooth/area treated, amount of anesthetic used, soft, and hard tissue descriptions, and post op instructions accurately.
16. Provides instruction on diet, brushing, flossing and other aspects of oral health to patients.
17. Provides and consistently documents relevant education for reports, patients, and co-workers.
18. Seeks guidance from supervisor when needed.
19. Participates in peer review and orientation activities as requested.
20. Participates in committees when requested.
21. Monitors supplies and materials used with the assistance of the dental staff in order to decrease expenses.
22. Maintains professional appearance in accordance with Gracelight Community Health policies and procedures.
23. Uses discretion and judgment in handling sensitive or confidential information, answers all employee and client inquiries in a timely and courteous manner and listen to employee disputes and understands which decisions can be made alone and which decisions need to involve others.
24. Complies with organizational policies and procedures.
25. Perform all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

1. Requires Registered Dental Hygienist License issued by the Dental Board of California
2. Requires X-ray License issued by the Dental Board of California
3. Clear record with Medi-Cal program and private dental insurance companies
4. At least 3 years related experience preferred.
5. Prior experience with Patient Centered Medical Home model of care delivery preferred.
6. Working knoweldge of spoken Spanish preferred.
7. Previous experience with Dentrix software preferred.
8. Ability to work independently, set priorities, and work well under pressure.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and interpret documents, such as policies and procedures, benefits information, benefit surveys, board minutes, routine mail, simple contracts, and instruction manuals. Ability to compose routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively with employees, visitors, and management.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Ability to organize and prioritize work with minimum supervision.
2. Ability to perform most essential job duties independently and exercise good judgment.
3. Flexible, detail-oriented, and multi-task effectively.
4. Safety & Privacy conscious.
5. Follow rules, and guidance when directed from supervisor.
6. Respect the diverse values, beliefs, and cultures present in individuals, and groups served.
7. Timely and dependable.
8. Ability to work under pressure with the capacity for reflection.
9. Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite.
10. Proficient prior use of an Electronic Medical/Dental Record system.
11. Proficient use of computers.
12. Demonstrates ability and flexibility to work in other areas of the organization as needed.
13. Adheres to company policies and procedures in the performance of work duties.
14. Demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and education for job functions.
15. Maintains active licensure including required relevant continuing education.
16. Maintains appropriate certifications as noted at time of hire.
17. Performs work to level of and within defined scope of practice for licensure.
18. Make informed evidence-based decisions.
19. Maintain HIPAA training certification.