Senior Dental Hygienist

Description

SUMMARY:

Provides comprehensive dental prophylaxis care, necessary radiographs, and preventive care to patients of the Unity Health System Dental group. Work efficiently with the Director of Dentistry, Staff Dentists and the Office Manager in evaluation and development of our dental services. Provides high quality and efficiency of dental services as well as train, oversee and manage the OSHA/Safety Compliance Program for all three Dental Offices.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides direction to the dental office float assistant in maintaining standards approved dental product and supplies.

• Cleans and sterilizes all dental instruments following proper procedures as outlined in the Dental Policy and Procedure Manual.

• Works well with the Hospital Sterilization department in maintaining the flow of instruments between our department.

• Communicates to the Dental Office Manager regarding improvements/concerns of departmental systems, and equipment.

• Responsible for the training of all staff relative to the items and duties on the OSHA Safety and Compliance check list.

• Provides complete dental oral prophylaxis removing calcareous deposits, accretions and stains, including scaling and root planing of exposed root surfaces, polishing teeth including existing restorations. This may include: applying topical agents, topical fluoride applications and topical anesthetic applications, and pit and fissure sealants.

• Provides written documentation of all services rendered, treatment necessary, in the patients record/chart including the next appointment plan of care. Charting caries and peridontal conditions as a aid to diagnosis by the dentist.

• Provides clear written directions in communicating treatment provided (charge entry); next appointment to be scheduled (number of units and treatment to be scheduled); and treatment pre-determinations to the Dental Office Secretary as directed by the Dentist.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• AAS Degree from an approved Dental Hygiene Program is required.

• NYS Dental Hygienist License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Five years of experience in a dental office or clinic setting preferred.

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EDUCATION:

• AAS: Dental Hygiene (Required)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Light - Clinical - Light clinical roles involve frequent standing and walking, with occasional lifting of light objects (≤20 lbs.) and routine reaching, grasping, and fine manipulation for tasks such as patient care, laboratory work, or specimen processing. Staff rely on strong visual and auditory acuity to accurately observe specimens, read instrumentation, monitor patients, respond to alarms, and communicate effectively with care teams. Cognitive demands include multitasking, prioritizing clinical and laboratory workflows, and coordinating with interdisciplinary teams. Emotional resilience is necessary due to frequent interruptions, shifting priorities, and the need for precise and compassionate interaction with patients and colleagues. Environmental exposures may include infectious materials, biological specimens, cleaning agents, sharps, chemical reagents, and wet surfaces. PPE use, TB testing, and schedule flexibility are commonly required.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

• DH - Licensed Dental Hygienist - NYS Office of Professions

PAY RANGE: $35.00 - $47.00

The listed base pay range is a good faith representation of current potential base pay for successful applicants. It may be modified in the future. Pay is determined by factors including experience, clinical licensure date, relevant qualifications, specialty, internal equity, location, and contracts.