Dental Hygienist (RDH)

Job Summary: The Dental Hygienist with Choptank Community Health (CCHS) is a critical part of the oral health team and plays an essential role in the development of plans of care for patients. Provides dental prophylaxis, fluoride as needed, services and dental sealants. Take radiographs as instructed by the dentist. Plays an essential role in the management of patient referrals and is a key link between providers and patients.  Prepares and maintains dental equipment and supplies. Must be able to respond to emergency situations. This is an exempt, full-time position in pay grade 8 with the pay range of $76,843.00 - $115,264.00. The Dental Hygienist reports directly to the Dental Clinical Quality Director.

Required Skills/Abilities:                               

• Provide patient education and preventative dental services
• Working knowledge of automated patient data systems
• Must be proficient in computer skills
• Must demonstrate the ability to take digital radiographs
• Working knowledge of CDT coding and ICD-9 coding

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent 
• Licensed as a Dental Hygienist by the State of Maryland (license must remain current including renewed on-time)
• CPR certification
• A minimum of six months’ experience preferred.
• Preferred experience in various dental settings to include experience with pediatric dental patients

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• General office environment in clinical health centers
• Occasional travel 
• Frequent exposure to workplace conditions includes bending, climbing stairs, walking, kneeling, and reaching. 
• Includes fine and gross motor skills, lifting less than 20 pounds, and vision.
• Occasional exposure to workplace conditions includes air borne pathogens, blood borne pathogens and cleaning agents.

Standards of Behavior:

• Commitment to Service 
• Respect 
• Quality  
• Teamwork 
• Patient Focus 
• Integrity  
• Accountability 
• Caring & Compassion  
• Professionalism  
• Listening & Responding 
• Safety  
• AIDET 

Job Related Competencies:

• Empathetic Outlook- The ability to perceive and understand the feelings and attitudes of others; the ability to place oneself “in the shoes” of another and to view a situation from their perspective. 
• Attention to Detail- The ability to process detailed information effectively and consistently.
• Problem Solving- Identifies and analyzes problems weighing the relevance and accuracy of available information. Generates and evaluates alternative solutions and makes effective and timely decisions.
• Communicates Effectively- Developing and delivering multi-mode communication that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Values And Ethics- Serving with integrity and respect in personal and organizational practices. Ensuring decisions and transactions are transparent and fair.
• Time Management- The ability to effectively manage one’s time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently.

Commitment to Community: 

Choptank Community Health System (CCHS) is committed to creating a safe and open healthcare environment that improves health outcomes and values and respects the unique experiences and perspectives of both patients and staff by: 

• Prioritizing access for all individuals;
• Offering ongoing training for staff to promote health awareness, preventive measures and early detection for the varied patient population on the Eastern Shore;
• Actively engaging with patients, families and staff;
• Fostering a workplace culture in which everyone is treated with dignity.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provides Preventative Dental Service
• Thoroughly, cleans patient’s teeth including scaling and polishing.
• Take radiographs as instructed by the dentist.
• Provides preventative dental treatments such as topical application of drugs, sealants to the surface tissues and exposed surfaces of human teeth.
• Provides Patient Education 
• Presents instruction and conducts demonstrations with model in proper methods of brushing teeth and gums and flossing.
• Consults patients on proper nutrition.
• Maintains Equipment/Supplies
• Maintains proper inventory of supplies by communicating low stock to designated person.
• Prepares, sterilizes, organizes, and sets up equipment.
• Ensures all dental instruments are clean, dated and processed according to established office guidelines.
• Is current on all new equipment.
• Notifies Dental Clinical Quality Director of any issues/concerns related to dental equipment.
• Performs Other Duties as Required
• Prior to appointment, verifies that patient’s existing dental conditions and treatment plan has been transferred from the paper chart to the electronic chart.
• Takes initiative to solve problems and recommends improvements to the Dental Clinical Quality Director.
• Traveling to other CCHS sites to cover shortages within the department.
• Consistently displays professionalism during interaction with CCHS customers, staff, and clinicians.
• A dental hygienist’s duties may include scheduling appointments and facilitating referrals.
• Makes recommendations for cost containment and/or quality improvement.
• Takes initiative and prioritizes effectively.
• Works with other staff to achieve a desirable working environment.
• Takes initiative and anticipates needs of other dental hygienists. 
• Regular, reliable attendance is a requirement of this job.

Benefits: 

• Tuition and education assistance
• Certification scholarships available 
• Paid holidays (9) 
• Flexible paid time off and vacation scheduling
• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Referral program
• Employee wellness program
• Discretionary Bonuses

Choptank Community Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate based on actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital or family status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.