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 REQUIREMENTS Education: 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 Functions * Develops 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 ENVIRONMENT NOTE: ALL APPLICANTS MUST PROVIDE CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THREE REFERENCES AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SERVICES PROVIDED ON A NON-DISCRIMINATORY BASIS