Dental Hygienist

Job Summary

Provides care within the full scope allowed by North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners, and in accordance with hospital and ambulatory practice policies and procedures. He/she provides professional dental hygiene care under the direction of the Dentist/Department Manager. The hygienist will use skillful assessment and planning in the provision of services, duties and responsibilities.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care, or arrange for the provision of appropriate care, for adult and geriatric population of patients. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of dental growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status. Interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements and ensure and document that age specific needs are being met.
• Directly provide these functions which include but are not limited to: complete oral prophylaxis, application of preventive agents to oral structures, administration of medicaments prescribed by a licensed dentist, preparation of diagnostic aids, and written records of oral conditions for the interpretation by the dentist, intra and extra oral exams for patients, including oral cancer screenings, periodontal screening and probing, exploration and or removal of subgingival hard or soft deposits, remove sutures, remove periodontal dressings, apply topical anesthetics and apply topical fluoride.
• Document assessment, clinical findings and treatment appropriately.
• Expose, develop and scan dental radiographs using proper techniques guidelines.
• Conducts patient education (Oral hygiene and preventive care)
• Assess on a continual basis the performance of clinical and clinical support equipment.
• Maintain effectiveness and integrity of equipment and supplies through proper cleaning and preventative maintenance in accordance with recommended guidelines.

Physical Requirements

Work requires walking, bending, long periods of sitting and standing, assisting with procedures. Must be able to lift 75 pounds in weight assisting patients in wheelchairs, walkers, and stretchers. Must be able to be mobile within the entire practice. Must speak English fluently and in understandable terms. Must have intact sight, hearing, smell, touch and finger dexterity. Must be able to respond quickly to changes in patient and/or clinical conditions. Responsible for working in a safe manner. Must be able to respond quickly to changes in patient and/or conditions.

Education, Experience and Certifications

Graduate of an accredited Dental Hygiene Program. Current license to practice hygiene in North Carolina. Requires professional verbal and written communication skills, organization and prioritization capabilities. CPR certification.

Atrium Health is one of the nation’s leading healthcare organizations, connecting patients with on-demand care, world-class specialists and the region’s largest primary care network. A recognized leader in healthcare delivery, quality and innovation, our foundation rests on providing clinically excellent and compassionate care.

We’ve been serving our community since 1940, when we opened our doors as Charlotte Memorial Hospital. Since then, our network has grown to include more than 40 hospitals and 900 care locations ranging from doctors’ offices to behavioral health centers to nursing homes.

Our focus: Delivering the highest quality patient care, supporting medical research and education, and joining with partners outside our walls to keep our community healthy.