Position Description
Position: Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Reports to: Executive Director
Works With:
Registered Dental Assistant-Compliance Officer
Registered Dental Assistants
Visiting dental providers
Administrative Specialists
Summary of Position
The RDH is responsible for providing preventative dental procedures to patients as prescribed by dentists and clinical
protocols. The Hygienist will clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease; and educate
patients on oral hygiene, take X-rays, and apply fluoride or sealants. As part of the clinical team, this position works with the
Clinical Coordinator to assure a smooth patient flow, quality care and proper preparation on procedures.
Duties and Responsibilities:
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Support the vision, mission and philosophy of Northern Dental Access Center.
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Provide patients with quality preventative care, record observations and recommend treatment to dentists.
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Welcome patients and provide oral health education to improve overall health outcomes.
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Assist all clinical staff in assuring a smooth patient flow; manage a hygiene schedule that simultaneously
maximizes production and quality patient care.
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Provide leadership in developing and implementing a recall system that ensures a high level of patient prevention.
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Provide leadership to visiting dental hygienists and other providers to help them learn clinical practices, sterilizing
techniques, patient protocols, and be available to them for questions and assistance, as needed. Providing training
to new providers on electronic medical records and digital x-ray, as needed.
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Exhibit positive and effective communication to staff, Board members, volunteers, community partners, and patients.
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Value diversity and team approach to decision making and communication.
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Support the Executive Director in the strategic goals of the organization as determined by the Board of Directors.
Essential Functions:
 Cleans calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
 Provides clinical services and health education to improve and maintain oral health of school children.
 Removes excess cement from coronal surfaces of teeth.
 Places and removes rubber dams, matrices, and temporary restorations.
 Feels lymph nodes under patient's chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate presence of oral cancer.
 Examines gums, using probes, to determine recession and locate signs of periodontal disease.
 Administers local anesthetic agents.
 Takes panoramic and intraoral x-rays for patients.
 Removes sutures and dressings.
 Makes impressions for study casts.
 Places, carves, and finishes amalgam restorations.
 Feels and visually examines gums for sores and signs of disease.
 Charts conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
 Conducts dental health clinics for community groups to augment services of dentist.
 Applies fluoride and other cavity preventing agents to arrest dental decay.
Essential Functions, continued
 Assists Compliance Officer in the daily compliance tests, checks, maintenance and reports.
 Prepares patients, sterilize and disinfect instruments, sets up instrument trays, prepare materials, and assist dentist
during dental procedures.
 Takes and records medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
 Assists dentist in management of medical and dental emergencies.
 Records treatment information in patient records.
 Provides postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
 Supports the administrative staff by helping out at the front desk, when needed
 Works with clinic staff and dentists to assure accurate communication to patients regarding treatment plans,
appointments, after care, etc.
 Implements the use of appropriate consent forms and other patient documents, as needed.
 Works with administrative staff to implement an effective recall system.
 Works with entire staff to identify facility needs, keeps facility clean and equipment functioning properly.
 Keeps sterilization area and operatories clean and orderly.
 Works with Clinical Coordinator to assure adequate inventory of supplies and inventory to provide patient care
 Assists clinic staff in keeping clinic clean, orderly and welcoming to patients.
 Works with Clinical Coordinator and staff to identify quality improvement issues and develop measures to address them.
 Seeks professional continuing education in order to improve or maintain knowledge, skills and abilities in order to
provide efficient, effective and appropriate administrative support to the organization.
 Performs other duties as assigned.
Performance measures:
 Production rates fall within agreed upon parameters.
 Patient recall rates fall within agreed upon parameters.
 Patient care quality standards are met.
 Sterilization area and operatories are orderly, clean and functional.
 Works effectively with the Clinical Coordinator to identify inventory needs in a timely manner.
 The incumbent demonstrates responsiveness to visiting provider concerns and strives to keep lines of
communication open.
 The incumbent respects patient and employee confidentiality.
 The incumbent maintains quality relationships and respect among co-workers, patients, community partners and
board of directors.
 Accurate and up to date patient recordkeeping can be demonstrated.
 Incumbent demonstrates willingness to help, as part of a team, to keep clinic orderly, clean and welcoming to patients.
 New ideas for improvement, expansion and improved use of resources are presented; a willingness to take on new
tasks is demonstrated.
Qualifications
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Graduate of an acceptable Dental Hygiene program
Licensed as a Registered Dental Hygienist in Minnesota
Detail oriented with the ability to juggle many demands simultaneously
Must be able to function effectively in high stress, fast-paced environment
Must be proficient in the use of electronic medical records, patient scheduling and use of digital xray equipment
Leadership qualities and effective communication skills are a must
Sensitivity to patient needs, especially children, is paramount.
A commitment to community service and the vision and mission of this agency is necessary for success.
Physical Requirements—Standing, walking, climbing, balancing, bending, carrying, reaching, squatting, pushing, pulling,
lifting, twisting, gripping, talking, typing, hearing/listening, seeing/observing.
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Employee
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Executive Director
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