Pediatric Registered Dental Hygienist / Orthodontic Assistant

Some of the opportunities for Dental Hygienists that we offer are:

• Incentive program to maximize pay
• Full-time, part-time, and per diem positions available
• Paid training in orthodontic assisting
• Various locations and flexible hours
• Generous PTO package
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401(k)
• CE credits

Position Overview

Provides diagnostic, preventative and therapeutic dental hygiene treatment to pediatric patients, including those with developmental disabilities and/or who are medically compromised. Maintains proper documentation of dental condition and treatment. Utilizes age-appropriate behavior management techniques and demonstrates proficiency in the treatment triangle of patient, parent and provider.

Age Group(s) Served:

• Neonatal (0-3 months) – limited to ICN preemie plate treatment
• Pediatric (3 months-12 years)
• Adolescent (13-18 years)
• Adult (18 years and above for special needs patients & college students)

Dental Hygienist Essential Job Functions

1. Timely coordination of patient flow through the office/clinic, including warm and friendly greeting, patient preparation, accurate appointment making and dismissal.

2. Responsible for accurate review and update of medical history and consent.

3. Perform initial dental screening. Using appropriate behavior management techniques, determines need for x-rays and performs complete oral prophylaxis, including supra and sub-gingival scaling, root planning and use of ultrasonic scalers.

4. Assists Orthodontist with various orthodontic procedures.

5. Sterilizes instruments and disinfects equipment and materials used in dental treatment following infection control plan, OSHA and safe handling techniques. Keeps instruments and equipment in good repair, responding appropriately when service/repairs are indicated and communication updates to the lead.

6. Responsible for cleaning/disinfection, and stocking of clinical and common work areas to include chair side, clinic, waiting rooms and lunchroom.

7. Keeps inventory of supplies and materials. Assures items are stored properly and maintained. Reports shortages to Lead Hygienist for ordering.

8. Competent in child friendly techniques for placement and exposure of dental x-rays for traditional x-rays and digital sensor technique (in sights where available), resulting in quality diagnostic radiographs. Is able to print digital x-rays, and/or develop, mount and duplicate traditional x-rays where applicable.

9. Legibly documents and consistently signs patient records in accordance with UPD chart documentation policy. Accurately creates patient notes, makes future appointments and posts dental procedures in EMR sites where applicable.

10. Assist in training collogues, residents and students on infection control, x-ray exposure techniques, dental assisting, Dentrix/EagleSoft patient notes and other dental related subjects.

11. Educates patients and parents at an age appropriate level following anticipatory guidelines.

12. Performs duties to open and/or close clinic as required.

13. Is accountable for the duties on site monthly calendar and signs off when completed.

14. Performs as a member of dental team exhibiting ability to take direction and feedback with a positive and can-do attitude.

15. Consistent good communication up to Lead hygienists concerning any staff, resident, attending, patient or equipment issues before they escalate.

16. Complies with all quality assurance, infection control, OSHA, safety and other policies and procedures of UPD

17. Accurately uses ADP system and exception log to record time and attendance. Reports to assigned work station/clinical area on time and ready to work.

18. Understands and follows HIPAA and OSHA regulations.

19. Attends all required in-services, seminars and staff meetings.

20. Other duties as required or requested by management to support business needs.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene
• Dental Hygiene license and NYS registration
• Basic Life Saving and/or CPR certification
• Desire to work with children is required. Past experience working with children preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Patient/family focused with basic understanding of customer service skills.
• Commitment to providing pediatric-centered quality dental care
• Flexible in attitude and function – must be willing to travel between and work in any of UPD’s offices; must exhibit a positive and can-do approach to their work
• Demonstrated ability to treat and effectively engage with pediatric patients and those with developmental disability and medically compromising conditions
• Working knowledge of pediatric physical and psychological development milestones
• Proficient in diagnostic, x-rays, ultrasonic, sterilization and other equipment common to dentistry
• Attention to detail
• Strong writing skills for documentation/charting
• Knowledge of Dentrix/Eagle Soft Dental Program (training provided if needed)

ADA Requirements

Frequently:

• Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same motions.
• Bend or twist the body when operating equipment or examining/treating patients.
• Sit for long periods of time.
• Able to communicate verbally.

Moderate to occasional:

• Lifting (1-10 pounds), walking.