Dental Hygienist Duties
SUMMARY
This is technical work involving the preliminary aspects of
dental health care.
An employee in this classification assists a dentist by cleaning
patients' teeth, and by maintaining charts, patient care
records, and supply inventories. This position also greets
patients and answers questions concerning appointments and oral
health care procedures. Duties are primarily educational,
therapeutic, and preventive dentistry. Work is performed under
the general supervision of a dentist and is reviewed by the
observation of results and patient satisfaction.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Utilizes audio-visual aids, pamphlets, and demonstrations to
instruct patients in proper oral hygiene procedures.
Performs preventive dental care using ultrasonic instruments,
rotating brushes, rubber cups, and cleaning compounds to remove
stains, calcareous deposits, and accretions from teeth.
Applies medicinal solutions to aid in retarding dental decay.
Charts conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and
treatment by dentist.
Exposes and develops x-ray film; makes dental impressions;
removes sutures and dressings, and administers topical
anesthetics.
Places and removes rubber dams, matrices, and temporary
restorations.
Removes excess cement from surface of teeth.
Greets patients and schedules appointments.
Maintains daily, monthly, and annual dental records; recalls
patients when appropriate, performs related clerical duties.
Maintains supply inventories, notifies dentist of need for
particular supplies for operating procedures.
Sterilizes equipment and instruments; maintains cleanliness and
orderliness of the oral hygiene operatory, x-ray rooms,
sterilization room, waiting room, administration room, and other
operatories.
Performs related work as required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from an accredited school or college for dental
hygiene which offers a course consisting of not less than two
academic years. Must be licensed as a registered dental
hygienist (RDH) by the State of Georgia.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Considerable knowledge of dental and oral health care
procedures.
Knowledge of oral anatomy, bacteriology, and pathology.
Ability to use a variety of dental instruments to clean teeth
and gums.
Ability to take and process radiographs.
Ability to greet and interact well with large numbers of people.
Ability to maintain dental and supply records.
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