Dental Hygienist, Penn Dental Family Practice

Job Description Summary

Penn Dental Medicine's Family Practice (PDFP) is interested in hiring the best and the brightest dental hygienists - who are looking to broaden their skill sets and gain valuable experience in the art and science of the dental field. Together, the team works collaboratively to provide multi-specialty care utilizing leading techniques in patient care.

As a member of the PDFP family, individuals are provided the opportunity to work alongside a team whose mission is to provide quality dental care which exceeds patient expectations.

Desired Experience & Position Expectations

• Experience in sedation procedures and/or ACLS certification is desired, but not required.
• Prepares patient for dental hygiene treatment by setting up and breaking down operatory, as well as nitrous units when needed
• Supports dentist with nitrous oxide unit set-up and monitoring levels through duration of patient appointment
• Ensure that operatories are well supplied with necessary supplies
• Handle sharpening, sterilization, and maintenance of all instruments and equipment
• Escort patients to and from operatories
• Help to acquaint patients with preventive care-oriented practice philosophy
• Help to maintain and manage patient recall system
• Perform thorough oral prophylaxis (cleanings) on scheduled patients which include proper use of ultrasonic cleaning devices, scaling instruments, polishing and flossing
• Conduct dental and periodontal assessments, providing oral cancer screening, charting conditions of decay and disease (via axiUm), capturing digital images (via MiPacs) and documenting interventions performed electronically by recording vital signs, clinical notes and procedures.
• Arrests dental decay by applying topical fluorides and occlusal sealants on indicated patients, recommending cavity-preventing agents as needed
• Educate and motivate patients by giving oral hygiene and plaque control instructions, presents and explains treatment plants to patients, demonstrates effective communication to bridge the gap between a pending treatment plan and a completed treatment plan, provides postoperative instructions and schedules and subsequent visits.
• Explain treatment alternatives to patients
• Review and revise patient histories and record patient's vital signs
• Chart existing restorations on new patients and notate clinical evidence of disease presence
• Record specific treatment performed on patient chart, as well as other patient information as needed.
• Provides digital x-rays and chairside assistance when available, as needed
• Help to reconfirm and appoint patients

Operations

• Maintain patient confidence and protect operations by keeping information confidential
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Conserves dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results; monitors inventory; maintains proper usage and operations of equipment.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• To date, clinical hours are Monday through Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM; flexibility in scheduling is required for all positions.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing and supporting assigned duties.
• OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

Experience/Education

• An Associate's Degree or two year college equivalent and 3 years to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• CPR certification required.
• Employment clearance through the State of PA to work on/with children: as determined through Pennsylvania Criminal Background Check, Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance and FBI Finger Printing Database is required.
• Experience with Axium preferred.
• Ability to accommodate different scheduling requirements based on the operational needs of the Penn Dental Family Practice.