Office Hygienist

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

Reporting to the Dental Treatment Coordinator, this role provides high-quality dental hygiene services and patient education using established protocols and accepted standards of care. The Dental Hygienist reviews and interprets patient dental records, promotes the organization’s mission to serve medically underserved populations, and ensures full compliance with all clinical and corporate policies.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform patient evaluations and implement treatment plans under the supervision of the Dentist, ensuring complete and accurate documentation of findings, treatments, and outcomes.

• Provide oral health education and prevention services.

• Assess dental conditions and risks using patient screening procedures, including medical history review, dental charting, perio-charting, and taking vital signs as required.

• Document patient chief complaints, observations, reactions, and lab procedures, ensuring timely follow-up on results.

• Deliver comprehensive P.O.E., perform scaling and root planing, limited procedures, and prophylaxis.

• Assist with or initiate emergency measures in response to unexpected developments during treatment.

• Participate in Quality Improvement initiatives as directed by the Dental Director.

• Support patient intake, transfer, and discharge processes when needed.

• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of dental equipment in assigned operatories.

• Utilize downtime to sterilize instruments and restock operatories.

• Maintain professional conduct and communication at all times to represent the organization positively.

• Uphold patient rights, safety, privacy, confidentiality, and excellent customer service standards.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Education:

• Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) from an accredited program.

• Current license to practice in the State of Michigan.

Experience:

• Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience.

• Completion of required CEUs to maintain licensure and remain current with advancements in dental hygiene.

Skills:

• Basic data entry, typing, filing, and organizational abilities.

• Ability to manage workload in a high-stress environment with accuracy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understanding of patient care charts and medical/dental histories.

• Knowledge of patient evaluation and triage procedures.

• Familiarity with safety, environmental, and infection control standards.

• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and compliance requirements.

• Proficiency with computer systems, including Microsoft Office 365.

Certificates/Licenses:

• Active Michigan Dental Hygiene License (required).

• Current CPR certification.