Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist Job Category: Patient Services Requisition Number:

DENTA001029 Full-Time On-site Springfield, MA 01103, USA Reports To

Dental Director Supervises: N/A Salary/Status: Non-Exempt Minimum

Requirements: Bachelor's Degree; minimum of one (1) year of directly

related experience. Current licensure as a Dental Hygienist in the State

of Massachusetts. Experienced with or having a strong interest in

addressing the health care needs of low income, special needs or

Disadvantaged Populations. Principle Responsibilities And Duties

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 prophylaxis,

scaling and root planning, polishing, x-rays, application of sealants

and fluorides, and related procedures. Develops and implements

individualized dental care plans for patients; performs patient

education, discharge planning, and patient/family teaching under the

supervision of a qualified dentist. Provides chair-side assistance to

dentist in the performance of special tests, procedures, and complex

treatments. Makes impressions of patients' teeth for study casts.

Documents dental history or chief complaint; records and reports

pertinent observations and patient reactions to dental staff, as

appropriate; documents lab procedures and ensures follow up on results.

Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse

development during treatment of patients. Performs patient triage and

initiates patient care as appropriate for walk-in patients. Assists in

preparation of patient care areas, and in the patient admission,

transfer, and discharge process, as required; prepares reports and

assists as required with patient reception, telephone calls, routine

triage, and other office duties. Performs miscellaneous job-related

duties as assigned. Making sure prior approvals are being sent to Mass

Health as needed. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required: Ability to

analyze medical records and prescribed protocol to formulate effective

treatment plans. Knowledge of Federal and State regulations and

guidelines for the provision of dental outpatient services. Ability to

communicate technical information to non-technical personnel. Ability to

independently assess the nature and extent of dental, periodontic, and

associated conditions and pathology in dental outpatients. Ability to

perform a full range of established dental hygienist protocol and

procedures. Knowledge of patient screening, charting, and medical

history procedures and documentation. Knowledge and understanding of

dental surgery and associated procedures, terminology, and techniques.

Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in

accordance with established regulations and guidelines. Ability to

independently perform emergency dental procedures. Knowledge of patient

admission, triage, transfer, and discharge procedures and documentation.

Working Conditions: This position may require the ability to work long

and arduous hours. Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of

average-weight object up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for

more than four (4) hours per day. Work environment involves exposure to

potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following

extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective

equipment. Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens. This position

requires the ability to use a computer workstation, viewing a CRT.

Salary range \$46.35 - \$52.79