Dental Hygienist Job in Atlanta, Georgia

(Job ID: 521503)

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Description

Job Title: Registered Dental Hygienist Department: Health Centers Location: Woodson Park Academy School-Based Health Center Supervisor: Dental Director FLSA Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt The Dental Hygienist’s primary job function is to be responsible for managing dental hygiene and treatment of periodontal disease of patients under direction of staff dentists. Areas of Responsibility 1. Responsible for assessing and obtaining clinical evidence of patient's level of periodontal health. 2. Responsible for exposure and developing of appropriate diagnostic radiographs. 3. Develops appropriate treatment plan and sequence for treatment of existing periodontal disease. 4. Provides treatment of acute and chronic periodontal conditions, including periodontal disease, gingivitis, ANUG, and acute periodontal abscess in conjunction with dentist. a. Treatments are to include mechanical and ultrasonic instrumentation (scaling and rootplanning removal of calculus), supra-gingival removal of plaque and coronal polishing. b. Application of fluorides and other medicaments as necessary. 5. Assists in identification of special patient needs, such as adjunctive antibiotics, rinses, or hygiene aids in conjunction with dentist. 6. Educates patients in all aspects of oral hygiene, and consequences and treatment options for periodontal disease. 7. Provide education and limited off site care as scheduled and within the scope of the clinic. 8. Maintains dental hygiene treatment rooms in clean and orderly condition, stocked with appropriate treatment instruments and materials in conjunction with dental assistants. 9. Records treatment in daily record, chart periodontal probing, and update hygiene tracking sheets as necessary in dental records. 10. Delivers appropriate local anesthesia for patient comfort under supervision of dentist. 11. Performs expanded function duties, (amalgam packing and carving, temporary fillings, alginate impressions, temporary crown cementation) as necessary under supervision of dentist Skills and Responsibilities  Education: Graduate from an accredited dental hygiene school.  Certification/Licensure: Licensed in GA as a Dental Hygienist or eligible to receive licensure.  Experience: One or more years of experience as a dental hygienist preferred, especially in a community or public health setting.  Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by supervisor.  Expected to meet attendance standards and work the hours necessary to perform the essential functions of the job.  Conforms to safety policies, general housekeeping practices.  Demonstrates sound work ethics, flexible, and shows dedication to the position and the community.  Demonstrates a positive attitude, is respectful, and possesses cultural awareness and sensitivity toward clients and co-workers.  Keeps customer service and the mission of the organization in mind when interacting with all clients, co-workers, and others.  Employees are expected to embrace, support and promote the core values of respect, integrity, trust, compassion and quality which align with the Whitefoord mission statement through their actions and interactions with all patients, staff, and others.  Conforms to Whitefoord policies and HIPAA regulations.  Essential Technical/Motor Skills: Good eye/hand coordination and precision, manual dexterity and patience for minute movement, strong sense of aesthetics. Perform complex and comprehensive dental care on a variety of patients. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Must demonstrate ability to work with basic computer skills and MS Office products, such as Word, Excel, and Outlook. Ability to work in a fast-paced and often high-stress environment as well as the ability to adapt quickly to workload changes. Bilingual—English/Spanish preferred.  Interpersonal Skills: Must demonstrate strong leadership and team building skills. Must have strong listening, written and oral communication skills, with ability to communicate clearly. Must have the ability to understand and respond effectively and with sensitivity to children. Must have a caring attitude, commitment to serving low-income people; desire to work with all types of people, ability to calm nervous patients. Train and evaluate assigned staff. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and efficient manner. Ability to work at all site locations with diverse staff  Essential Physical Requirements: Prolonged sitting or standing may be required. Those physical movements and the degree of mobility normally associated with the practice of primary care dentistry will be performed on a repetitive basis. The ability to distinguish letters and symbols, as well as the ability to utilize telephones, computer terminals, and copiers is required. Work under stressful conditions as well as irregular hours may be required. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 20 pounds using proper lifting techniques and standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day. Ability to hold dental equipment in patient’s mouth for long periods of time.  Essential Mental Abilities: On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policies and procedures; explain dental procedures. Requires a comprehensive knowledge of primary dental care in outpatient settings. Knowledge of the principles and practice of modern dentistry as related to community health programs as well as current social and economic problems pertaining to public health and their impact on primary health care. Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to dentistry, community health centers, and public dental health.  Essential Sensory Requirements: Essential sensory requirements include the ability to: read computer keyboard, monitor, and documents; prepare and analyze documents; read extensively; hear, recognize, and assess verbal presentations of patients; receive and convey detailed information orally, by telephone and in person; convey accurate and detailed instructions by speaking to others in person and by telephone.  Exposure to Hazards: Exposure to or use of sharps, potentially dangerous chemicals, exposure to body fluids/blood/tissue. Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, radiation and other conditions common to a clinical environment may routinely be encountered. LANGUAGE SKILLS: Must possess above average command of speaking and writing skills. REASONING ABILITY: Must be able to exercise sound judgment and concrete thinking when on the spot decision making is required. Ability to seek supervision for emergencies and unusual circumstances. Must be able to participate in regularly scheduled meetings. A list of physical demands, equipment, & work environment demands can be reviewed in Human Resources. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.