Job Summary:
The Dental Hygienist is responsible for, under the general supervision of ODHC Dentists, assessing patient dental needs and delivering direct dental care and associated services. Additionally, he/she provides dental education and works in a team environment in an effective and efficient manner to ensure optimum patient centered care.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Deliver direct care to patients according to established dental hygienist procedure.
- Perform routine treatment procedures such as prophylaxis, x-rays, application of sealants and fluorides, etc.
- Assess dental condition and needs of patients, using screening procedures to include medical history review, x-rays, dental and perio charting.
- Provide perio therapy treatment as needed.
- Administer local anesthetic or nitrous oxide sedation as needed.
- Assist with or institute emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment.
- Professional and courteously manage patients during dental procedures.
- Inform patients of and explain dental procedures being performed.
- Conduct dental charting and ensure patient information is entered timely and correctly into the patient’s electronic record in Dentrix.
- Develop and implement individualized dental care plans.
- Perform patient education, discharge planning, and patient/family teaching under the supervision of staff dentists.
- Assist in preparation of patient care areas and in the patient admission, transfer and discharge process as required.
- Prepare reports and assist as needed/directed with patient reception, telephone calls, routine triage, and other office duties.
- Be cooperative, helpful, and a positive role model with dental assisting and/or hygiene student rotations.
- Maintain necessary licensure and CPR certification as required by Minnesota state law and ODHC policy.
- Communicate with your Manager/Director regarding any changes, concerns or issues that may arise.
- Develop and maintain relationships with other ODHC staff to ensure efficient daily operations of all departments.
- Be knowledgeable of ODHC services to provide integrated care to assist patients/families in accessing needed resources.
- Know, understand, and ensure adherence to the organization’s policy related to the patients’ right for confidential care and HIPAA.
- Keep updated on ODHC current events, changes in the workplace, policies, and procedures.
- Read email, Intranet, and other communication tools on a regular schedule and respond in a timely manner to requests, where applicable.
- Perform other tasks as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Qualifications:
- Diploma/degree in Dental Hygiene and holds a current registration/license in Minnesota as a dental hygienist.
- Proven ability to independently assess the nature and extent of dental, periodontal, and associated conditions and pathology in dental patients.
- Abide by ethical standards of licensing board.
- Experience working with a diverse population of people.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently or in a team environment.
- Confidence, professional judgement, and grace under pressure.
- Bilingual skills are a plus.
Other Requirements:
This position is a non-exempt, with flexibility needed for providers’ schedules and clinic hours. Frequent travel is required to meetings, events, and schools within the community and across the region. Means of travel and travel expenses will be reimbursed according to ODHC’s travel policy.
Working Environment
Physical ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time. Position requires repetitive use of fingers, hands, and wrist in job related duties, i.e. telephone, computer. Complete range of motion needed, including fine motor skills and tactile sense of both hands. Ability to lift 25 pounds. In addition, this position may require the use of additional PPE and a respirator “fit test”, including, but not limited to, face shield, face mask, gown, gloves, goggles, etc.
We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and growth of our employees. Highlights include:
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation time, sick leave (MN ESST time), and floating holidays to give you the flexibility to recharge.
• Retirement Savings: A 403(b) plan with a 4% employer match to help you plan for the future.
• Health Coverage: Three medical plan options, including one that is 100% employer-paid for employee-only premiums, along with dental and vision coverage.
• Wellness & Health Incentives: Health insurance reward program for gym memberships and health incentives to encourage a healthy lifestyle.
• Voluntary Benefits: Additional voluntary benefits to suit your needs.
• Professional Growth: Continuing education hours and funding to support your career development.
• Additional Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), life insurance, disability coverage, and more.
We’re committed to providing a supportive, flexible, and rewarding work environment.