Dental Hygienist Job at First Choice Dental in Madison

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Locations: West, Waunakee, Campus (Regent St.), East and Verona.

Overview

The Dental Hygienist provides preventative dental care and education, supporting total health through the promotion of optimal oral health. You will utilize your knowledge and clinical skills to assist dentists and deliver dental hygiene care for patients.

Job Purpose

Conduits oral examinations, serves as a preventative care specialist, and delivers educational, clinical, and therapeutic services. Supports patients and dentists with high-quality dental hygiene care.

Essential Functions

• CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Pull charts for the following day’s appointments.
• Review charts, update medical histories, and contact physicians’ offices with patient and dentist permission for information regarding health.
• Provide services according to guidelines set by the dentist or the patient’s physician.
• Record treatment performed and treatment prescribed by the dentist during patient visits.
• Perform soft tissue examination, including oral cancer screening (using Velscope), to check for intraoral lesions or abnormalities.
• Expose and process dental x-rays (if applicable) and alert the dentist to observations.
• Perform oral prophylaxis by scaling and polishing to remove stains, plaque, and calculus from tooth and root surfaces.
• Apply cavity prevention agents such as fluorides and sealants.
• Maintain accurate medical/dental records and documentation for each patient.
• Educate patients on diet, brushing/flossing techniques, and home care tools (e.g., Hydro Floss/Sonicare, denture brushes, floss threaders, inter-dental brushes).
• Demonstrate and explain denture and bridge care and discuss causes and prevention of cavities and gum disease.
• Clarify health questions and summarize dental findings; explain recommended treatment.
• Practice and maintain infection control procedures, including room preparation/cleaning, sterilization of instruments, and disinfection of equipment.
• Maintain dental instruments and equipment in proper working order; monitor and maintain supply inventory.
• Assist the Dental Assistant as needed (seating patients, cleaning/sterilizing instruments, setting up trays, screening emergencies, sutures, impressions, models, chair-side assistance).
• Provide intra-oral tour of the mouth and intra-oral photography to aid observations.
• Provide periodontal treatment including classification of periodontal health, scaling and root planing.
• Place Arestin and administer local anesthesia when performing periodontal therapies.
• Attend continuing education programs as required to maintain licensure as a dental hygienist.
• Make continuing care calls and send thank-you notes to new patients.
• Willing to help at other sites as needed; maintain timely patient care and efficient work habits.
• Respect patient privacy and maintain a professional tone with patients and staff.
• Offer ideas to improve site efficiency and maintain strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Qualifications

Education

• Graduation from an accredited Dental Hygiene program
• Wisconsin Dental Hygiene License
• Certification to administer local anesthesia

Experience

• No prior experience required; active Wisconsin Dental Hygiene License is required

Skills and Abilities

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple requests
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all information
• Effective written and verbal communication, with strong interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Knowledge of causes and treatment for dental injuries and diseases

Licenses / Certifications

• Dental hygiene license
• CPR certification
• OSHA certification
• Continuing Education

Work Conditions

• 34-40 hours per week
• Physical requirements: repetition of movements for scaling and polishing; working in the oral cavity
• Working conditions: high noise levels from dental equipment; exposure to chemicals, biological hazards, and radiation

Note: This description reflects essential duties and qualifications and is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities and requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.