DENTAL HYGIENIST (BILINGUAL-ENGLISH/SPANISH)

DENTAL HYGIENIST (BILINGUAL-SPANISH/ENGLISH)The Dental Hygienist is responsible for the direct provision of oral hygiene and appropriate preventive services to dental patients in a public health setting. The Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) will also be responsible for providing appropriate oral health information to individuals and groups.Essential Functions Assists in the oral health management of all clinic patients. Provides clinical oral hygiene services including dental prophylaxis, scaling and root planning, sealant application, application of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), and fluoride application consistent with accepted professional practices. Documents area of existing restorations and notable areas of possible decay and disease for dentist's review. When appropriate, may call in dentist for immediate consultation. Records patient-hygienist transactions as they occur in the patient’s electronic dental record, including procedure codes, so the dental record accurately and completely reflects the nature of the contact, the condition of the patient and the care or treatment provided. Takes radiographs and saves the images to the appropriate electronic dental record. Updates medical history of patient, highlighting significant information for dentist's review. Instructs patients in oral hygiene technique, answering patient questions and providing other educational information relevant to oral hygiene. Obtains baseline oral hygiene assessment data based upon accepted principles of oral hygiene and periodontal care. Provide accurate coding information on encounters that corresponds to care given and documented in progress notes. Provides oral health education and appropriate individual counseling for all dental patients. Receives and places necessary telephone calls and direct messaging consistent with professional matters, clinic business and patient care at El Centro. Responsible for personal compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and El Centro rules, regulations, protocols and procedures governing the practice of dental hygiene and the clinical provision of dental hygiene services as well as those relating to, but not limited to, personnel issues, work place safety, public health and confidentiality. Performs sterilization of dental instruments following federal and state guidelines. Understands the requirements of El Centro’s exposure control plan. Practices universal precautions. Assists with various clinical and administrative functions of El Centro as appropriate and time permitting, including but not limited to assisting with completion of consent forms, confirmation and scheduling of appointments, assisting another provider with care, patient follow-up over the phone and in person, and quality improvement projects. Familiar with El Centro’s program philosophies, goals, and objectives. Be cognizant of and comply with all El Centro’s policies and procedures, as well as state and federal regulations. Complete all required paperwork on time. (Timesheets, encounters, evaluations, progress notes, etc.) Integration of appropriate patient dental hygiene care with other health care professionals involved in the patient’s health care management. Participate in staff outreach and off-site health care programs as requested by the Dental Director or Medical Director. Represent El Centro in the community. Organizes and performs preventive oral health presentations at on-site and off-site locations. As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational goals and objectives. Able to travel between El Centro sites to provide dental care, education and other tasks as needed. Rotate to other El Centro centers as needed to provide coverage. Provide necessary information and signatures for participation in reimbursement arrangements, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and other plans. Maintains up to date knowledge of coding and billing requirements. Report as needed to the Dental Director any pertinent information or situations that impact on patient care or El Centro liability. Participate in Peer Review activities as requested by the Dental Director. Make recommendations to the Dental Director regarding the purchase of dental supplies, instruments, and equipment, and repair and/or maintenance of these. Demonstrate ability to work cooperatively with other members of the dental team. Be supportive of coworkers. Communicate information and ideas clearly, and concisely, in writing; read and understand information presented in writing. Maintain neat and professional appearance at all times. Carry out any other activities deemed appropriate by the Dental Director Qualifications Graduation from an accredited school of dental hygiene. Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with fellow healthcare providers. Ability to be clinically fluent in Spanish. Excellent interpersonal and written communications skills required. Ability to maintain appropriate clinical privileges required. Unrestricted license to practice Dental Hygiene in the State of Texas Current CPR (BLS) certification Physical RequirementsRequired to sit, stand, walk and move about throughout the day; manual dexterity to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with arms and hands; occasionally climb stairs; balance, stoop, kneel or crouch occasionally; talk and hear; vision abilities required include close vision, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.Working ConditionsFor the most part, ambient room temperatures, lighting and a traditional office environment exists. May experience traumatic situations including psychiatric and medical crisis situations within the environment; some exposure to hazardous materials or physical risks requiring basic safety precautions; exposure to blood borne pathogens requiring PPE. Exposure to virus, disease, and infection.