Dental Hygienist, Rdh at Estacada Dental - Dr. Kristopher Kostenko DDS LLC

Estacada Dental in Estacada, OR is looking for one dental hygienist, RDH to join our 5 person strong team. We are located on 103 Sw Hwy 224. Our ideal candidate is attentive, motivated, and engaged

About us

Estacada Dental is a well established dental office that has been providing customized treatment to the surrounding communities. Dr. Kostenko is driven to provide each patient with compassionate care in a friendly environment.

Position Title: Registered Dental Hygienist

Employee Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Dentist

Job Summary:

The RDH is in a special position to provide our patients the most important health service: initial periodontal therapy and ongoing preventive oral care by cleaning, scaling and polishing teeth to prevent gum disease.

Essential Duties:

• Records treatment information on the patient's chart, including treatment rendered, the type of treatment planned and the amount of chair time, doctor time and assistant time needed for next appointment.
• Takes radiographs as directed by the doctor.
• Records evaluation of periodontal conditions, occlusal relations and extent of prophylaxis on dental chart to ensure a complete diagnosis and proper treatment plan by the dentist.
• Provides customer service support to patients by escorting them to and from the treatment room.
• Evaluates gingival health and health of all oral tissue.
• Executes root planing and Myofunctional evaluations.
• Educates patients on the importance of preventative care, the disease process and the role of bacteria; provides appropriate educational literature and instruction on home care.
• Polishes restorations and appliances (partials, dentures, etc.).
• Schedules patient’s next treatment appointment, or communicates with appropriate staff to ensure this is done before patient leaves the practice.
• Implements and monitors recall system; contacts patients who are overdue for a recall.
• Administers Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen to patients as applicable.
• Takes impressions for diagnostic and opposing models.
• Applies non‑aerosol and non‑caustic topical agents and pit and fissure sealants.
• Removes excess cement from supragingival surfaces of teeth.
• Assists doctor during clinical exam and record findings and recommendations.
• Performs oral cancer exam on all patients.
• Scales, polishes, and applies fluoride to patient’s teeth.
• Prepares all treatment rooms including, but not limited to, set-up, decontamination, sterilizing and sharpening all instruments, cleaning hand pieces and room, restocking supplies.
• Places and removes post‑extraction and periodontal dressings.
• Inspects patient’s oral cavity and charts lesions, existing restorations and missing teeth.
• Helps fill the patient schedule when there are openings to keep production levels high each day.
• Sizes stainless steel crowns, temporary crowns, and bands.
• Administers temporary cementation and removal of temporary crowns.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism when exposed to stressful situations.
• Skilled in the use of an ultrasonic.
• Ability to perform scaling and root planning, take radiographs, and administer local anesthetic and Nitrous Oxide.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and changes.
• Knowledge of English composition, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Skilled in the use of standard office equipment including: telephones, calculators, copiers, fax, computers, and computer software (MS Excel, Word, Practice Management software).
• Ability to engender trust from the doctors, co-workers, and patients.
• Ability to work cooperatively with management, staff, and patients.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and complete tasks in a timely and independent manner.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions and accept constructive feedback.
• Ability to collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and maintain confidentiality.Ability to communicate and express thoughts and ideas competently.
• Ability to quickly grasp relevant concepts regarding duties and responsibilities.

Education / Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 2 year(s) relevant experience as a hygienist is preferred; new graduates are encouraged to apply and are considered.

Special Requirements/Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid X-ray certificate
• Current RDH license
• CPR & first aid certificate

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

• May be required to lift up to 35 lbs. or roll a 90-pound machine on wheels from one area to another.
• Hand-eye coordination and hand, arm, and finger mobility for detailed work with objects.
• May be required to physically assist drowsy patients after anesthesia.
• Active movement throughout the day: sitting, walking, standing, squatting, bending, stooping, reaching, etc. (not a sedentary position).
• Vision: close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Hearing: able to satisfactorily communicate with patients, doctor, and other staff members to ensure that verbal communication is clearly understood, particularly during emergency situations.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or operate equipment.
• May be required to administer CPR.
• Occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and radiation.
• Exposure to moderate noise levels and hectic, fast-paced, high anxiety environments.

Additional or different duties may be assigned occasionally at employer’s discretion.