Dental Hygienist Job in Elgin, Texas

(Job ID: 512576)

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Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Cutbirth Family Dental is a local, family-owned dental practice focused on providing quality care to the Elgin, TX community 30 minutes east of Austin. We are located on the first floor of the historic O’Connor Building built in 1890 in downtown Elgin. PURPOSE The purpose of the dental hygienist role is to complete ongoing preventative oral care by cleaning, scaling, and polishing teeth to prevent decay and gum disease while providing “unreasonable hospitality” to ensure patients have the best possible experience. PRIMARY OBJECTIVES The dental hygienist’s primary objectives are to ensure patients: - are happy and satisfied with the swift, complete, and gentle prophylaxis received - are fully educated on proper preventative and maintenance measures, periodontal conditions, and any treatments needed to maintain dental health. - are aware of any existing periodontal conditions and understand what steps must be taken to correct them understand and are motivated to continue with preventative care as indicated by the hygienist REQUIRED SKILLS The dental hygienist position requires the following skills: - State licensure - Excellent manual dexterity - Superior communication, empathy, and customer service skills - Mastery of dental terminology and procedures - Highly skilled in the use of standard office equipment including computers, computer software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word, Practice Management software, etc.), telephones, copiers, fax machines, etc. - Ability to work cooperatively with management, staff, and patients - Ability to study and learn quickly - Knowledge of any additional education and certifications appropriate to their position - Familiarity with handpieces and instruments used in the office - Knowledge of ergonomic principles relating to dentistry - Current knowledge of OSHA and HIPAA rules and regulations as applicable to the operatory and the office as a whole - Valid x-ray certification - As required, CPR & first aid certification - Self-starter attitude that anticipates needs and addresses issues before they arise - Team player attitude who helps wherever it is needed, whether that is dumping trash, cleaning instruments, sweeping floors, etc. -To be successful in this practice, the hygienist is strongly encouraged to be an active participant in local community events and activities by staying involved with the neighbors in this community and attending local events regularly PHYSICAL DEMANDS The dental hygienist must be able to: - remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time - position self to perform hygiene procedures above patients - occasionally move around to access dental supplies/tools, equipment, etc. - constantly operate dental instruments, such as an x-ray machine and impression materials - frequently and accurately communicate with patients who have inquiries about their dental health and proposed dental plans - frequently move items and equipment HOURS This is an hourly position with a minimum of 32 hours per week in the office. PRIMARY DUTIES The dental hygienist has a wide variety of responsibilities. The following list summarizes some of these key responsibilities: - Participates in Family Meals (morning huddles) by reviewing the day’s schedule and noting any patient specific information to ensure the patient has the best experience possible. - Records treatment information on the patient’s chart, including treatment rendered, type of treatment planned, and the amount of chair time, doctor time, and assistant time needed for the next appointment - Stays on schedule at all times - Turns equipment on in the morning and off at night - Sets up treatment room(s) for each patient - Provides customer service support to patients by escorting them to and from the treatment room - Records evaluation of periodontal conditions, occlusal relations, and the extent of prophylaxis on the dental chart to ensure a complete diagnosis and proper treatment plan by the dentist - Removes excess cement from supragingival surfaces of teeth - Assists the doctor during clinical exams and records findings and recommendations - Performs oral cancer exams on all patients - Scales, polishes, and applies fluoride to patient’s teeth - Inspects patient’s oral cavity in order to chart lesions, existing restorations, and missing teeth - Evaluates gingival health and health of all oral tissue - Executes root planing and myofunctional evaluations - Educates patients on the importance of preventative care, the disease process, and the role of bacteria - Provides appropriate educational literature and instruction on home care - Polishes restorations and appliances (e.g., partials, dentures, etc.) - Prepares all treatment rooms including, but not limited to, set-up, decontamination, sterilization and sharpening of all instruments, cleaning handpieces and room, restocking supplies, etc. - Communicates with appropriate staff to ensure that the patient’s next treatment is scheduled before the patient leaves the practice - Implements and monitors recall system - Calls patients who are overdue for recall as appropriate - Helps fill the patient schedule when there are openings to keep production levels high each day - Participates in and contributes to staff meetings and family meals (morning huddle). - Maintains a high standard for personal appearance and hygiene - Assists in the office as requested by the doctor or office manager when not working on hygiene procedures or recall - Tracks KPIs on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis COMPENSATION Hourly rate will be commensurate with experience PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY Maintaining patient confidentiality is a serious matter affecting patient trust, and it is regulated under federal law. For this reason, great care must be taken to ensure that patient information is not made available to any unauthorized persons. The dental hygienist understands and enforces all related patient confidentiality rules and best practices.