Dental Hygienist (RDH) - Mobile

Job Description

Job Description

DENTAL HYGIENIST (RDH)

FLSA: EXEMPT

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Perform comprehensive oral exams to evaluate oral health and hygiene status.
• Provide patient education on effective oral hygiene practices and the importance of preventive care.
• Tailor individualized oral care plans to meet each patient's specific needs.
• Carry out scaling, root planing, and polishing procedures.
• Administer treatments, including fluoride applications and sealants, to enhance oral health.
• Take and analyze X-rays to help detect dental conditions and inform treatment strategies.
• Collaborate with dentists and healthcare providers to design integrated, multidisciplinary care plans.
• Coordinate with medical teams to ensure safe and effective dental treatment for patients with complex medical conditions.
• Educate patients about the link between oral health and overall wellness, such as the role of gum health in heart disease prevention.
• Keep meticulous, accurate patient records and document assessments, treatment plans, and follow-up care.
• Engage in community outreach and wellness programs to raise oral health awareness.
• Stay updated on current dental hygiene research and best practices in integrated care.
• Advocate for patients' oral health needs within the healthcare system.
• Comply with all regulatory standards for patient records.
• Collaborate with medical and dental providers to assess children's oral health, including evaluations for oral pathology.
• Offer nutritional counseling and oral hygiene guidance to both children and their parents.
• Provide toothbrush prophylaxis, dental polishing, and sealant applications as time allows.
• Administer topical fluoride applications.
• Perform full-mouth debridement (FMD), scaling in the presence of gingivitis, scaling and root planing (SRP), X-rays, and other hygienist duties when supporting dental clinics.
• Clean and sterilize instruments, and ensure upkeep and sanitation of equipment and treatment areas.
• Support improved access to urgent care and facilitate patient referrals to the dental clinic.
• Perform additional tasks as needed to support the centers.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proficient in dental software, electronic medical record (EMR) systems, digital imaging, and modern dental tools and technology.
• Knowledgeable in HIPAA, OSHA, and dental care regulations, with strong commitment to compliance.
• Open to continuous learning and skilled at adapting to new technologies, techniques, and procedures.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for rapport building with patients and teamwork with healthcare providers.
• Strong patient advocacy and educational abilities, skilled in explaining oral health information clearly and offering preventive care guidance.
• Experienced in performing cleanings, scaling, root planing, polishing, fluoride treatments, and sealants.
• Competent in X-ray processing and interpretation, dental instrument management, sterilization, and clinic hygiene.
• Excellent verbal, written, and organizational skills, with attention to detail, time management, and problem solving.
• Capable of prioritizing tasks, managing stress, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to effectively manage workflow and maintain high-quality standards in environments where staffing levels may be below ideal, demonstrating the ability to prioritize tasks and collaborate with the team under pressure.

Education and Experience:

• Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited institution is required.
• Valid Florida Dental Hygiene License.
• At least 3 years of experience in dental hygiene.
• BLS is required.
• Local anesthesia certification is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Precise hand control and steady movements to handle dental instruments effectively.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods while performing patient care.
• Sufficient strength to operate dental tools and apply necessary pressure during treatments.
• Sharp vision for examining details in patients' mouths, with or without corrective lenses.
• Mobility to move between treatment rooms, adjust equipment, and assist patients.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds (or 15 pounds in office settings) for equipment or supplies.
• Compliance with infection control protocols, including PPE usage (masks, gloves, eye protection).
• Capacity to manage workflow, prioritize tasks, and maintain quality under staffing constraints.
• Fine manipulation skills for frequent use of office and dental equipment, including computers.
• Must be able to travel to various center locations as required.