Registered Dental Hygienist Alternative Practice (RDHAP)

TITLE: REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST ALTERNATIVE PRACTICE (RDHAP) 

REPORTS TO: DENTIST

STATUS: NON- EXEMPT/HOURLY
 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Dental Hygienist is responsible for providing hands-on support for patient oral care. They engage in preventative oral care through screening, treating, and educating patients. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

JOB QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

1. Minimum of High School Diploma or Equivalent
2. Registered Dental Hygienist RDHAP License Required.
3. Bilingual (English- Spanish) is highly preferred.
4. Minimum of 1 to 3 years in a dental office setting.
5. Valid BLS and CPR certification.
6. Proficient in taking digital x-rays.
7. Skilled in Electronic Health Record patient filing records used for billing, visit scheduling and data entry, and in Microsoft Office, data entry and use of business email.
8. Experience and understanding billing process and guidlines for private and public health insurance programs, especially CCHP, Medicare and Medi-Cal.
9. Ability to gain proficiency on additional computer programs required to perform the job.
10. Good verbal and written communication skills, including spelling and English grammar with ability to understand and complete oral and written instruction.
11. Ability to work as a team by communicating, collaborating and cooperating with team members.
12. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.
13. May be required to work at an alternative site.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. The Dental Hygienist performs administrative duties supporting the treatment of both adult & pediatric patients.
2. Performs patient screening procedures; such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of the health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection, dental charting and taking blood pressure and pulse.
3. Reviewing a patient’s dental history.
4. Provide clinical services and health education to improve and maintain oral health.
5. Performing preventive dental care, such as applying preventive materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants and fluorides).
6. Removes calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth.
7. Applying fluoride treatments.
8. Taking x-rays and reviewing them for signs of dental diseases.
9. Administering local anesthetic, scaling and root planing, taking digital xrays.
10. Educates patients on appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health; (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling).
11. Counsels patients about good nutrition and its impact on oral health.
12. Makes impressions of patients' teeth for study casts (models of teeth used by dentists to evaluate patient treatment needs).
13. Collaborates with the dental team with different functions in addition to the dental hygiene duties, including but not limited to, those of a dental assistant, (i.e. four-handed dentistry).
14. Performs documentation and office management activities.
15. Assists the management team as-needed.
16. Knowledge of and compliance with BBFHC Policies and Procedures
17. Generates reports as requested.
18. Provide translation service for providers and Spanish speaking patients.
19. Completes other duties as assigned. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS 

This job requires the passing of a background check, a negative TB test or clear chest x-ray (less than 1 year old), Physical Exam (less than 6 months old), provide updated vaccination records, Hepatitis B vaccination, annual flu vaccination, Covid Vaccine and boosters, and maintain a current BLS card. Physical examination must indicate that the employee is able to meet the physical requirements of the job including: Lifting, Walking, Stooping, Bending, and Twisting.

SPECIAL ADA REQUIREMENTS

Brighter Beginnings is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate with regard to applicants or employees with disabilities, and will make reasonable accommodation when necessary  

1. For the purposes of ADA, the “Responsibilities” and “Qualifications” essential job functions
2. Work is normally performed in a typical interior/clincial work environment, with typical clinic noise and other disruption. 
3. Extended periods of standing and sitting are required
4. Various types of clinical equipment and office supplies are used to accomplish the job requirements 
5. Required to drive to other work sites for meetings, conferences, etc.

Brighter Beginnings is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. At Brighter Beginnings, employment decisions are made regardless of sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information or ancestry, protected Veteran or military status, or other characteristics protected by law.

If you require alternative methods of application or screening, you must approach the employer directly.

All applicants that are offered a conditional offer of employment will need to complete a background check. For positions with client/patient contact, you must have a TB clearance and a physical assessment by a physician of your ability to complete job duties. Additional requirements are an immunization records (including MMR, Hep B, Varicella, TDAP, Covid-19). All positions require applicants to have a valid California driver’s license, be listed under car insurance as a driver, and a clean driving record (as defined by our insurance carrier).