Position Summary:
Under the supervision of the Dentist and the Office Manager, perform a variety of Hygiene functions and ensure the continuity of patient flow. In addition you must perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Half of your responsibilities or the techniques required are listed below and the other half is attitude and customer service. We now know that the #1 reason why patients do not return to Dental offices is because of an unfriendly staff; therefore you are required to have a happy, upbeat demeanor at all times.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Seat patients in designated areas in a timely fashion
Take dental diagnostic radiographs
Take the patient pictures
Update medical history and screen for potential problems every six months, or after a three year absence.
Take blood pressure
Update recall section of patients Family File on Dentrix based on findings and recommended recall schedule.
Explain procedures to be performed with patient answer questions and help patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment.
Counsel patient for case acceptance
Evaluates gingival and all oral tissue health.
Inform doctor of any special problems with oral hygiene.
Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
Oral cancer exam
Administer nitrous oxide and oxygen
Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums using dental instruments.
Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
Perio Probe and chart
Classify patients periodontal condition
Scale, polish and apply fluoride
Periodontal soft tissue curettage
Root Planing
Recommend Perio consultation; refer out to specialist
Record all treatment diagnosed or recommended, to the patient, by Dr. Giraldo
Record treatment rendered in patients chart.
Escort patient to the business area for financial follow-up and scheduling of any future appointments.
Other Duties:
Debride periodontal surgery site
Apply pit and fissure sealants
Polish contour restoration
Polish appliances (Partials, dentures etc)
Oral exfoliative cytology
Take impression for diagnostic and opposing models
Apply non-aerosol and non-caustic topical agents
Remove post-extraction and periodontal dressings
Remove sutures and ligature ties
Test pulp
Remove cement excess from sub gingival surfaces of tooth
Size stainless steel crowns and temporary crowns
Myofunctional evaluation
Take impression for night guards
Make impressions for study casts.
Administer local anesthetic agents.
Perform teeth whitening; take impression for touch-up kit and follow-up with patients 10 days after completion of touch-up.
Pour and trim study models when necessary
Assist the doctor by passing instruments, aspirating intr-oral fluids, mixing materials and medicaments when necessary.
Patient Education
Explain disease process and the role of bacteria in caries and periodontal health
Provide appropriate educational literature
Provide instruction on home care
Recommend intra-oral aids
Evaluate booklets for patient distribution
Explain prevention to patients
Reflect and reinforce the doctors philosophy
Daily Maintenance:
Prepare hygiene treatment rooms in advance for each patient based on the treatment scheduled.
Decontaminate hygiene treatment rooms and sterilize all instruments after each patient appointment.
Maintain cleanliness of hygiene treatment rooms, lab and sterilizing area.
Clean and flush vacuum traps.
Restock hygiene treatment rooms and other clinical support area.
Sharpen instruments.
Offer assistance to the business area.
Help clinical assistant if needed.
Call patient if late for appointment. Help fill schedule.
Call patients who are overdue for recall appointments.
Spanish speaking is a requirement for this position. If you are interested in interviewing for this position please conatct Alyssa at 212-750-4590.