DENTAL HYGIENIST

This is technical dental work in the assistance of dentists for the care and treatment of the teeth and gums of patients in the City’s Dental Health Clinics. Employees in this class assist the dentist as they examine and treat patients during the provision of preventive maintenance and restorative services, and perform hygienist duties such as examining and cleaning teeth, oral structures and soft tissue. Employees may be assisted by lower-level auxiliary personnel in the dental clinic. Employees additionally maintain records of dental treatment and make dental appointments.

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)

Performs the duties described below with English speaking and designated non English speaking populations.

Assesses dental condition and needs of patient; uses patient screening procedures to include medical history review; conducts dental charting and periodontal charting.

Delivers direct patient care to patients as assigned, using established dental hygienist procedures; performs routine treatment procedures such as cleaning, polishing, x-rays, application of sealants and fluorides and related procedures.

Develops and implements individualized dental care plans for patients; performs patient education, discharge planning, and patient/family teaching under the supervision of a qualified dentist.

Assists with emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment of patients.

Assists in preparation of patient care areas; prepares reports and assists as required with patient reception, telephone calls, appointment scheduling, routine triage and other office duties.

Takes, develops, duplicates and mounts dental x ray films, changes film processing solutions as required.

Instructs children and adults in the health center, at schools and in the community on proper dental care and oral hygiene.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

the types and uses of dental instruments and of the preparation and use of dental materials
technical dental treatment procedures and dental nomenclature
general office procedures and standard clerical operations as they apply to a dental clinic
the procedures and techniques of restoring teeth

SKILL IN:

the application of the procedures and techniques of restoring teeth
non-professional dental procedures and techniques such as sterilization and care of instruments
taking and developing x-rays
instructing patients, especially children and adolescents in proper care of teeth and gums

ABILITY TO:

perform a full range of established dental hygienist protocol and procedures
analyze medical records and prescribed protocol to collect data in order to formulate effective therapeutic treatment plans
assess the nature and extent of dental, periodontic and associated conditions and pathology in dental outpatients
communicate technical information to non-technical personnel
carry out proper procedures, practices and manners in assisting a dentist while giving treatment
obtain the confidence and cooperation of pre school and school age children while rendering dental treatment
instruct children and parents in proper dental care and oral hygiene

BILINGUAL SPECIALTY
Sufficient training and/or experience to be able to understand and speak fluently and clearly in English and a designated non English language.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of a Pennsylvania State license as a Dental Hygienist prior to application.

PAY RANGE: 20

Class Established:
CSC: 6/08, Ad Board: 7/08

Latest Spec. Revision:
CSC: 9/09, Ad Board: 11/09

SNM/jl

4E16DENTAL HYGIENIST

4E16
DENTAL HYGIENIST