Job Abstract

JOB SUMMARY: The dental hygienist works collaboratively with the dental team (i.e. Faculty [DDS/DMD], Staff and Students) and is responsible and accountable to assist the Dental faculty in the teaching of the dental students to make quality patient care a priority and meet the oral health needs of the patients. In addition, the hygienist will greet and prepare dental patients for care, review medical history of patients, perform routine treatment procedures and document dental history, as well as, interact with patients to provide information about products and services and handle patient concerns with enthusiasm and empathy.

CHARACTERISTIC JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Instruct students on the use of hand scaling instruments, slow-speed prophy angle, ultrasonic, piezoelectric scalers and prophy-jet;
• Instruct the students on adjunct products approved by the SDM;  
• Assist students in patient education and instruct on the use of adjunct hygiene products.
• Take direction and receive assignments to help the dental students daily;
• Attend meetings approved by SDM that require advancement of your profession;
• Monitor students in Infection Control Procedures;
• Monitor and report supply inventory in the clinic;
• AxiUm computer program entry;
• Follow OSHA and Standard/Universal Precautions at all times;
• Be available for work during the hours assigned for student instruction and clinical development; 
• Be able to advance the learning level of students as well as yourself;
• Contribute directly to the Mission of LECOM embodying the essence of Osteopathic Principles and Practices by assisting with Institutional fundraising and participating in the LECOM Scholarship Auction;
• Participate in scholarly activity so to enrich and broaden the student learning experience;
• Commit to being a representative of LECOM by being actively involved in the community, including, but not limited to, serving on Boards, participating in community fundraisers and overall outreach; and
• Shock dental chairs on an as needed basis in accordance with CDC Protocols
• Accept other duties needed/assigned for the department needs and clinical operations.

EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Must possess required knowledge and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Clinical Dental Hygiene practice skills for all levels of periodontal disease prevention and treatment, including, prophylaxis, hand scaling, ultrasonic, piezoelectric and air abrasion;
• Knowledge of dentistry including ADA codes, Insurance, dental billing, and collections; Knowledge of patient’s privacy (HIPAA) and student’s privacy (FERPA);
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Ability to communicate well with others and teach;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast paced environment;
• Confident in handling ambiguity and fluid situations and have an abundance of common sense and pragmatism;
• Ability to work with individuals at all levels in the organization and throw equal enthusiasm behind the more routine, hands-on activities, as well as those requiring a higher profile;
• Organizational skills; must be accurate and attentive to detail;
• Ability to maintain an established work schedule; assess and prioritize multiple tasks and demands;
• Interpersonal skills to include tact and diplomacy;
• Organizational and planning skills, including attention to detail and follow-through;
• Strong computer literacy and accurate data entry skills; 
• Maintain confidentiality of work related information and materials;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Flexibility to accept other duties needed/assigned for the department needs;
• Ability to work cooperatively and collegially with others, consistent with a workplace of dignity and respect and EEO rules and regulations;
• Ability to report to work as scheduled, ready to devote full attention and energy to the important work of LECOM; and
• Ability to accept work directives from managers and supervisors in a respectful and cooperative manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education and experience equivalent to: Graduate of an accredited school of dental hygiene; current Pennsylvania dental hygiene license required; BS-preferred.  CPR, HEP-B series completed, TB test and DPT within the last ten years.  Clinical and teaching experience desirable.