Registered Dental Hygienist-Per Diem

ABOUT US:

Community health is about more than just vaccines and checkups. It’s about giving people the resources they need to live their best lives. At Neighborhood, this is our vision. A community where everyone is healthy and happy. We’re with you every step of the way, with the care you need for each of life’s chapters. At Neighborhood, we are Better Together.

As a private, non-profit 501(C) (3) community health organization, we serve over 500,000 medical, dental, and behavioral health visits from more than 100,000 people annually. We do this in pursuit of our mission to improve the health and happiness of the communities we serve by providing quality care to all, regardless of situation or circumstance.

We have been doing this since 1969 and it is our employees that make this mission a reality. Regardless of the role, our team focuses on being compassionate, having integrity, being professional, always collaborating, and consistently going above and beyond. If that sounds like an organization you want to be a part of, we would love to have you.

ROLE OVERVIEW and PURPOSE

The Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) improves the oral health of patients through the delivery of professional high-quality dental hygiene care and associated services. This role will perform broad responsibilities for clinic and community dental health education activities.  Additionally, this role will support the dental team in a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Patient Care 

• Provides periodontal therapies and other dental hygiene related services to patients
• Assesses patient dental conditions and needs using approved patient screening procedures, including medical/dental history review, chief complaints, dental charting, and periodontal charting
• Evaluates overall oral health by examining oral cavity for signs of periodontal diseases, such as recessed or bleeding gums, and oral lesions
• Documents and reports pertinent observations and patient reactions to dentists
• Exposes digital radiographs and takes intra-oral photos
• Follows through with oral hygiene procedures in accordance with treatment plans prescribed by the attending dentist, including prophylaxis, periodontal scaling, root planning, debridement, supra/subgingival scaling and curettage, fluoride treatments, and protective sealants
• Assists with or initiates emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment of patients
• Educates patients in oral hygiene and dental care, including proper tooth brushing, flossing, nutrition, and need for professional care.

Clinical Operations Support & Compliance 

• Enhances the efficiency of the clinic by performing expanded duties as allowable by law and directed by the dentist
• Documents lab procedures and ensures follow up on results
• Ensures direct patient care is delivered using established dental hygiene procedures
• Ensures all tasks provided and associated with patient care, patient administrative processes, and related duties comply with all regulatory/accreditation standards and clinic policies and procedures
• Manages and maintains patient records and related administrative documentation to ensure all records and related documentation are consistent with all HIPM and related regulations and requirements
• Utilizes the requisite tools, systems, technology, and equipment in the collection of patient data, records management, and collections
• Manages the dental office infection control plan to meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Center for Disease Control (CDC), and American Dental Association (ADA) standards
• Ensures compliance and attention to all corporate policies and procedures
• Maintains state license through continuing education, as required

Customer & Community Relations 

• Ensures positive experiences for all patients, including treating patients with care and compassion
• Assists patients to feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment
• Develops favorable relationships with all patients by interacting positively to provide information and education about oral hygiene
• Interacts positively with a diverse, sometimes difficult, and demanding patient population
• Handles and resolves patient concerns with enthusiasm and empathy
• Establishes professional and favorable working relationships with all staff members associated with clinic operations, including patient services representatives, dental assistants, dentists, and related staff
• Cooperates with the