OVERVIEW Serves as a dental hygienist responsible for performing advanced prophylactic and preventive procedures in the treatment of patients with related medical and dental problems. Completes preliminary dental examinations on new dental service patients. The hygienist reviews patients medical and dental history for evidences of past and present conditions such as illnesses and use of drugs which may complicate or alter dental hygiene treatment. Examines the teeth and surrounding tissues for evidences of plaque and periodontal disease and charts findings; inspects the mouth and throat for evidence of disease such as oral cancer; interprets routine x-rays to identify tooth structures, calculus and abnormalities such as cavities and deep periodontal pockets. Refers abnormalities such as cavities, traumatic occlusion, and suspicious lesions to the dentist. Prepares dental hygiene treatment plans for patient including assessment of the problem, type of oral hygiene care required, and the sequence of appointments needed to complete treatment. MAJOR DUTIES 1. ORAL PROPHYLAXIS. Performs complete and advanced oral prophylaxis on ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients, using knowledge of dental and oral anatomy, physiology, and histology; knowledge of principles and techniques of preventive dentistry; knowledge of dentalinstruments and materials; knowledge of oral pathology and periodontology; knowledge of medical diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease; and skill in performing specialized prophylactic and preventive dental hygiene procedures. Performs deep scaling, root planning, and sub-gingival curettage under local anesthesia. Administers local anesthesia. Takes intra-oral impressions to prepare study models. Smooths and polishes rough edges of restorations and applies stannous fluoride. Provides therapeutic care in cases of acute gingivitis and periodontal disease. Provides bedside prophylactic treatment for comatose, neurosurgical, and other types of non-ambulatory patients. Makes repairs and adjustment to teeth by smoothing rough edges, removes overhanging margins, reduces sharp edges, and inserts temporary fillings. Polishes teeth and applies stannous fluoride for hypersensitivity and caries prevention. 2. TREATMENT/PREPARATION. Completes all preparation for dental hygiene treatment, using knowledge of infection control procedures and OSHA guidelines; knowledge of dental and oral anatomy, physiology, histology, radiology, nutrition, and principles and techniques of preventive dentistry; ability to maintain records; and ability to expose, develop, process, and mount radiographs including bite wing, periapical, and panoramic x-rays. Completes preliminary dental examinations. Explains to patients the causes of periodontal disease and tooth decay. Maintains patient's record of treatment, recording oral conditions of the teeth and surrounding tissues, progress and therapy notes, etc. Interprets routine x-rays to identify tooth structures, calculus, and abnormalities. Takes, develops, and mounts necessary radiographs; positions x-ray equipment and patient to ensure coverage of designated area. Examines patient's mouth, throat, and pharynx, referring abnormalities to dentist. 3. INSTRUCTION/POSTOPERATIVE CARE. Performs postoperative care and provides oral hygiene instruction, using knowledge of dental and oral anatomy, physiology, histology, radiology, nutrition, principles and techniques of preventive dentistry; skill in providing individual and group oral health care instructions and in performing specialized prophylactic and preventive dental hygiene procedures; and ability to expose, develop, and process radiographs on patients such as bite wing, periapical, and panoramic x-rays. Regularly instructs nurses and nursing assistants in the proper techniques of oral hygiene to be applied to bedridden, handicapped, disabled, and chronically ill patients. Presents lectures and demonstrations on oral health care to various patient groups such as diabetics, hemodialysis patients, and drug or alcohol dependent patients by using slides, denture models, toothbrushes, and other dental education materials. Instructs patients at chair-side in oral hygiene, brushing, flossing techniques, and periodontal techniques. Removes overhanging margins of fillings, reduces sharp edges of fractured teeth, polishes and finishes amalgam restoration, etc. Plans and adapts instructions in home care techniques, tailoring them to oral hygiene needs and oral problems of individual patients. Removes sutures, changes dressings, and applies topical anesthetics. Takes impressions for construction of mouth guards. 4. EXAMINATIONS. Completes preliminary dental examinations on new dental service patients, using knowledge of dental and oral anatomy, physiology, histology, radiology, nutrition, etc., and ability to maintain medical and dental records. Reviews patient's medical records and completespreliminary dental examination. Examines teeth and surrounding tissue for evidence of plaque and periodontal disease and charts finds. Inspects the mouth and throat for evidence of disease such as oral cancer. Interprets routine x-rays to identify tooth structures, calculus, and abnormalities such as cavities and deep periodontal pockets. Takes, develops, and mounts necessary radiographs; positions machine, film, and patient to ensure coverage of designated area. Examines patient's mouth, throat, and pharynx and refers abnormalities such as cavities, traumatic occlusion, and suspicious lesions to the dentist. Performs other duties as assigned.