Dental Hygienist

Working title: Dental Hygienist

Classification title: Dental Hygienists (29-1292)

Program: Dental Clinic

Reports to: Lead Dental Hygienist

FLSA status: Exempt: Full-time or Part-time

Schedule: Monday-Friday

Wage Range: Up to $103318 annually; depending on number of years of transferrable experience and internal equity

RiverStone Health:

Serving the Yellowstone County community and south-central Montana for nearly 50 years RiverStone Health is an essential provider of personal and public health services. Health Education Leadership and Protection HELPis what we do. From medical dental and behavioral healthcare; home care and hospice; public health services like immunizations WIC health promotion and restaurant inspections; and educating the next generation of health professionals our expertise spans all ages and stages of life. Underlying principles of access affordability compassion and quality in all interactions RiverStone Health improves life health and safety for all of the communities we serve.

Dental Clinic Overview:

The RiverStone Health Dental Clinic is committed to making sure patients get the best possible care. Our high-quality dental services improve the health of our community and are supplemented by dentists completing their dental residency. The dental team works closely with the with RiverStone Health Clinic medical providers since dental care has a significant impact on overall health. The Dental Clinic cares for patients of all ages including seeing children for their first trip to the dentist. Team members are sensitive and understanding to individual needs and comfort levels. The dental team works with patients regardless of insurance coverage to provide check-ups cleanings sealants x-rays fillings and minor surgeries.

Job Summary:

The Dental Hygienist position administers oral hygiene care to patients including educational therapeutic prophylactic and other preventative measures. The position assesses patient oral hygiene needs and maintains progress notes and other dental records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. Provides advanced care such as cleanings fluoride treatment remove temporary fillings sutures and dressings etc.

Essential Functions/Major Duties and Responsibilities:

A. Dental Hygienist Services 95%

• Educate patients how to practice good oral hygiene and provides other preventive dental care.
• Examine patients teeth and gums recording the presence of caries diseases or abnormalities.
• Remove soft and hard deposits calculus stains and plaque from teeth.
• Perform gross debridement in the treatment of acute periodontal conditions.
• Expose processes and mounts dental radiographs.
• Apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants.
• Place temporary fillings.
• Remove sutures and dressings.
• Perform root-plaining as a periodontal therapy.
• Smooth and polish metal restorations.
• Prepare clinical and laboratory diagnostic tests for the dentist to interpret.
• Assist dentists in chair-side procedures routinely done in a general dental practice.
• Prepare and set up instruments materials and equipment necessary for each procedure.
• Sterilize instruments and ensure infection control measures are utilized in the cleaning and routine maintenance of equipment and exam rooms.
• Review prepare and maintain clinical progress notes and other dental records.
• Attend continuing education courses to maintain or update skills.
• Excellent internal communication with other RiverStone Health employees and colleagues to ensure efficiencies and quality customer service.
• Willingness and ability to ensure quality work support of others and participate in quality improvement processes.

Non-Essential Functions/Other duties as assigned 5%

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of RiverStones mission and goals.

Education and Experience:

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in dental hygiene.

• Any combination of experience and training which provide the equivalent scope of knowledge skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Some experience as a dental hygienist.

• Experience working with underserved population

• Current license issued by the State of Montana to administer local anesthetic agent. (Local anesthesia administered under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist on premises.)

Required Certificates Licenses Registrations:

• Current license as a Registered Dental Hygienist in the State of Montana and

• Graduation from an accredited school of dental hygiene.

• Successful completion of a written and practical or clinical examination by the American Dental Association Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.

• Successful completion of a Jurisprudence Examination by the State of Montana.

• Current CPR certification.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to maintain a calm and positive demeanor during difficult client interactions.

• Ability to display non-judgmental and empathetic listening skills.

• Knowledge and understanding of protected sensitive patient health information (HIPAA) and confidentiality.

• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain a positive work environment.

• Ability to perform job duties with integrity and innovation to ensure completion and a high level of quality.

• Ability to understand and adhere to required administrative policies and procedures.

Customer Service Excellence:

• Doing things right the first time

• Making people feel welcome

• Showing respect for each customer

• Anticipating customer needs and concerns

• Keeping customers informed

• Helping and going the extra mile

• Responding quickly

• Protecting privacy and confidentiality

• Demonstrating proper telephone etiquette

• Taking responsibility for handling complaints

• Being professional

• Taking ownership of your attitude toward Service Excellence.

Supervision:

• None

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in a clinic setting.

• Standing bending sitting and twisting the body is required to perform the essential functions of the job.

• The position is regularly exposed to biological pathogens and contagious diseases where Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and special precautions must be taken due to reduce exposure and mitigate risk.

• Create and maintain a safe/secure working environment by adhering to safety security and health requirements. Integrates injury illness and loss prevention into job activities by attending any necessary training and implementing best practices.

Freedom to Act & Decision Making:

• Work is structured by public health regulations and established dental clinic practices.

• Decisions and actions directly affect the quality of services provided.

• Uses independent judgment.

Communications & Networking:

• Work directly with other team members to provide quality customer service for patients and customers.

Budget & Resource Management:

• NA