Dental Hygienist

Position Summary: Conducts preliminary dental examinations, performs hypertension and cancer screening, and provides non-surgical patient treatment procedures. Polishes patient teeth and applies fluoride in routine cleanings to prevent hypersensitivity and cavities. Provides patient with appropriate anesthetic during procedures and conveys post-operative home care instructions. Coordinates and participates in organizational and community dental education programs.

Critical Tasks:

Conducts preliminary dental examinations and reviews patient medical and dental history to determine prior conditions that may lead to health complications.
Performs hypertension and oral cancer screening, examines patient teeth and the surrounding tissues for evidence of disease or other ailments and records observations in patient record.
Provides patient treatment in the form of oral prophylaxis and non-surgical periodontal procedures including sub-gingival scaling, root planning, and curettage.
Polishes patient teeth and applies fluoride to prevent hypersensitivity and cavities.
Prepares and takes oral x-rays as ordered by the dentist.
Provides patient with appropriate anesthetic during operations, removes sutures, changes dressings, and provides post-operative home care and preventative dental habit instructions.
Takes impressions of patient teeth for use in diagnostic models and the construction of mouth guards.
Schedules regular follow-up appointments according to patient care needs and serves as the primary patient contact for oral health information.
Oversees the procurement and routine maintenance of all periodontal equipment and instrumentation.
Coordinates and participates in a variety of oral health education programs in order to educate staff, patients, and community members.
Cleans and stores dental equipment and instrumentation after use.
Performs other job-related activities as requested.

Required Qualifications:

Associate’s degree in Dental Hygiene or closely related field of study required.
Current and valid AZ Dental Hygienist License within 1 year in position.
1 year of experience in a Dental clinic preferred.
Current and continuing BLS training and certifications within 30 days in position.
Demonstrates ability to relate to diverse cultures and specifically the Gila River Community and/or other Native American cultures and community health services.

Customer follow-ups • Patient follow-up care • Community engagement experience • Dental diagnosis • Suture removal • Surgery • Initial assessment (medical evaluation) • Pre-examination patient preparation • Root planing • Procurement • BLS Certification • Fluoride treatment • Oral cancer screening • Clinic experience • Associate's degree in dental hygiene • Mid-level • Dressing changes • Diagnostic evaluation • Medical scheduling • Preventive health (patient care) • Chairside coronal polishing • One-on-one patient counseling • Cultural competency • Anesthesiology • Staff training • Dental x-ray • Perioperative Care • Dental impressions • Dental equipment • Group education sessions for patient education • Patient consultations • Educational program planning • Working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds • Medical equipment cleaning • Dental Hygiene • Dental clinic • Patient counseling • Patient data collection • Patient treatment • Medical post-procedure instructions • Care coordination • Associate's degree • Registered Dental Hygienist • Wound dressing • Specialization in health and wellness instruction • Routine maintenance projects • Polishing • Post-operative care • Local anesthesia • Patient observation • Dental clinic experience • Educational program management