Dental Hygienist

POSITION SUMMARY: Perform the duties required to administer dental x-rays, cleanings, periodontal probing and oral hygiene instructions and supervision to Affinia Healthcare Dental Patients.POSITION QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTSEducation: Graduate of an accredited Dental Hygiene program. Current licensure as a Dental Hygienist.Experience: One (1) - five (5) years' experience as a Dental Hygienist preferably in an urban community health setting.Skills and Abilities which may be representative but not all inclusive of those commonly associated with this position:Ability to independently assess the nature and extent of dental, periodontal, and associated conditions and pathology in dental patients.Ability to perform a full range of established dental hygienist protocol and procedures.Knowledge of screening, charting, and medical history procedures and documentation.Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations and guidelines for the provision of dental outpatient services.Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel.Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines.Ability to analyze medical records and prescribe protocol to formulate effective therapeutic treatment plans. Knowledge and understanding of dental surgery and associated procedures, terminology, and techniques.License(s)/Certification(s) Required: Current licensure as a Dental Hygienist in the State of Missouri. Must be eligible to receive Missouri Medicaid Vendor Status.Essential FunctionsDevelops and implements individualized dental care for patients; performs patient education; discharge planning, and patient/family teaching under the supervision of a qualified dentist.Assesses dental condition and needs of patient; uses patient screening procedures, to include medical history review, dental charting, and perio charting, takes patient vital signs as required.Delivers direct patient care to patients as assigned, using established dental hygienist procedures; performs routine treatment procedures, such as cleaning, polishing, x-rays, application of sealants and fluorides, and other related procedures.Documents dental history of chief complaint; records reports pertinent observations and patient reactions to dental staff, as appropriate; documents lab procedures and ensures follow up results.Performs patient triage and initiates patient care as appropriate for walk-in patients. Prepares reports and assists as required with patient reception, telephone calls, routine triage, and other office duties.Assists in preparation of patient care areas, and in the patient registration and discharge as required. Maintains all required records and assist in audits and reports as required.Participates in clinic staff and dental staff meetings.Refers patients to other primary care or social services as needed.Provides Community screening and other health promotion activities.Performs other duties as assigned.NOTE: SMOKING IS PROHIBITED IN THE WORK ENVIRONMENTNOTE: ALL APPLICANTS MUST PROVIDE CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THREE REFERENCESAN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SERVICES PROVIDED ON A NON-DISCRIMINATORY BASIS