Dental Hygienist

SUMMARY:

Texas Native Health is looking for a full-time Dental Hygienist. The role involves educating patients on oral hygiene, prevention, and self-care methods, providing fluoride treatments and sealants as directed by the dentist, and reviewing patients’ health history to assess their overall well-being.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Performs patient intake procedures such as taking vital signs and reviewing relevant medical and dental history.
• Charts hard and soft tissue lesions or abnormalities.
• Initiates and supervises dental prevention programs for patients and staff.
• Takes radiographs and dental images of patients as prescribed by dentist.
• Performs dental prophylaxis.
• Administers local anesthetics as allowed by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
• Performs non-surgical periodontal treatment (scaling and root planning).
• Removes calculus deposits and stains from teeth using ultrasonic and hand scalers, rubber cups, and prophy pastes.
• Applies medicaments to aid in arresting dental decay.
• Charts conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by Dentist.
• Removes sutures and dressings.
• Removes excess cement from coronal surfaces on teeth.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

DESIRED SKILLS

• Clinical and technical skills in dental procedures, instrument handling, and X-ray operation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with patients and dental team members.
• Attention to detail for maintaining organized patient records and a sterile clinical environment.
• Compassion and empathy for patient care and understanding their needs.
• Adaptability to handle unexpected situations and emergencies in a dental setting.
• Professionalism in both appearance and demeanor.
• Knowledge of infection control protocols and patient privacy regulations (HIPAA compliance).
• Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for handling dental instruments.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a dental team.

FLSA CLASSIFICATION:  EXEMPT

MININUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Current Texas License.
• Certificate in Dental Hygiene.
• Local anesthesia certification preferred
• One year’s work experience is preferred.
• Nitrous oxide monitoring certification preferred
• Pit and fissure sealant certification preferred