Dental Hygienist

Company: First Choice Dental
Location: Madison
Posted on: May 7, 2025

Job Description:

Description:Hiring Positions at our West, Waunakee, Campus (Regent St.), East and Verona locations.JOB PURPOSE:Conducts oral examinations, serves as a preventative care specialist and provides educational, clinical and therapeutic services supporting total health through the promotion of optimal oral health. To utilize your knowledge and clinical skills to assist dentists and provide dental hygiene care for patients.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:1. CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Pull charts for the following day's appointments.
• Review charts, update medical histories, and contact physicians' offices with the permission of the patient and dentist for information regarding the patient's health.
• Provide services according to guidelines set by the dentist or from the patient's personal physician.
• Record treatment performed and treatment prescribed by the dentist during patient visit.
• Perform a soft tissue examination, including oral cancer screening (using Velscope), to check for any intraoral lesions or abnormalities.
• Expose and process (if applicable) dental x-rays and alert the dentist to observations.
• Perform oral prophylaxis on patients by scaling and polishing the teeth to remove stains, plaque, and calculus from tooth and root surfaces.
• Apply cavity prevention agents such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants.
• Maintain accurate medical/dental records and documentation on each patient.
• Educate patients on proper diet, proper brushing and flossing technique, and the use of special home care instruments such as Hydro Floss -/Sonicare, denture brushes, floss threaders, and inter-dental brushes.
• Demonstrate and explain the proper care of dentures and bridges and explains the causes of dental cavities and gum disease and their prevention.
• Clarify health questions and summarize the dental findings of the exam and explain the recommended treatment.
• Practice and maintain proper infection control procedures, including preparation, cleaning and disinfection of treatment room before and after each patient, cleaning and sterilization of dental instruments, and disinfection of dental equipment.
• Maintain dental instruments and equipment in proper working order. Monitor and maintain supply inventory.
• As necessary, assist the Dental Assistant by seating patients, cleaning, packaging, and sterilizing instruments, setting up trays for dental procedures, screening emergency patients, removing sutures, taking impressions, making models, and assisting chair side.
• Be proficient in providing the patient an intra-oral tour of their mouth, as well as taking intra-oral pictures to alert the dentist to observations.
• Provide periodontal treatment; including classification of periodontal health, scaling and root planning.
• Place Arestin.
• Administer local anesthetic when performing periodontal therapies.
• Attend continuing education programs as required to maintain license to practice as a dental hygienist.
• Make continuing care calls and send thank you letters to new patients.2. SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Exemplify excellent patient service through patient requests/following, patient referrals, and Demand Force comments.
  • Foster a positive attitude at work when interacting with staff and patients and be a team player.
  • Practice First Choice Dental's philosophy of 3-step communication.
  • Perform work in an efficient manner and be timely with patient care.
  • Provide a thorough and proper handoff and hygiene report to the doctor.
  • Conduct re-care calls and schedule patients for their next appointment before they leave the operatory.
  • Willing to help out at other sites (on day off or when asked).
  • Satisfactory annual increase in average production per hour.
  • Respect patient privacy by maintaining a professional tone and by not discussing personal matters with other staff in front of a patient. The focus and conversation should always be centered around the patient. Keep level of voice controlled in order to not disturb other patients.
  • Initiate ideas for ways the site can improve or become more efficient.
  • Maintain effective organizational skills and a high attention to detail.
  • Take the time to carefully explain information to patients in a non-technical manner.Requirements:JOB QUALIFICATIONS AND JOB EVALUATIONDOCUMENTATIONThe requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.KNOWLEDGEEDUCATION:
    • Graduation from an accredited Dental Hygiene program
    • Wisconsin Dental Hygiene License
    • Certification to administer local anesthesiaEXPERIENCE:
      • No previous experience required. Must hold an active Wisconsin Dental Hygiene LicenseSKILLS AND ABILITIES:
        • Strong organizational skills
        • Ability to prioritize multiple requests efficiently
        • Strong attention to detail and accuracy
        • Ability to maintain confidentiality of all information
        • Effective written and verbal communication skills
        • Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills
        • Knowledge of the causes and treatment for dental injuries and diseasesLICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:
          • Certification of dental hygiene
          • CPR certification
          • OSHA certification
          • Continuing EducationIMPACT OF RESULTS
            • Incorrect or missing information reduces Human Resources team's ability to respond to employee needs and requests
            • Ineffective team support reduces team productivity and ability to meet schedules
            • Ineffective training/development activities or follow up wastes time and moneyCONFIDENTIAL AND SENSITIVE INFORMATION
              • All patient information and conversations
              • Adheres to all HIPAA guidelines and regulationsHOURLY WAGE
                • Based on years of experienceHOURS/WEEK
                  • 34- 40 hours/weekPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
                    • Ability to perform physical movements specific to dental hygiene, including repetitive actions required for scaling and polishing of teeth
                    • Ability to deal with the visual restraints of working in the oral cavityWORKING CONDITIONS
                      • Ability to work in an area with high noise levels caused by dental equipment
                      • Exposure to chemicals found in dental materials and products, such as acids and disinfectants
                      • Exposure to biological hazards such as blood borne pathogens, infectious diseases, contaminated wastes, saliva, and radiationPI52a5fb564d2f-37820-37572149

Keywords: First Choice Dental, Elgin , Dental Hygienist, Healthcare , Madison, Illinois