Our staff doesn’t work at Christ Health Center. We serve. Because we’re not a place of employment, we’re a ministry focused on improving the health and lives of those in need. When we search for additional team members, we look for those with the highest level of professional skill and integrity. We also look for individuals who want to channel their love of God into helping others. If you are driven by love and faith to improve the lives of your fellow human beings — especially the underserved — we would love to have you join us.

SUMMARY

Performs duties that make use of advanced skills relative to the promotions of improved dental health.  The Dental Hygienist promotes dental health by completing dental debridement prophylaxis; providing oral cancer screening and radiographic studies; charting conditions of decay and disease; applying dental sealants; performing procedures in compliance with the dental practice act.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Cleans calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums using dental instruments. 

• Examines gums using probes to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease. Feels lymph nodes under patients chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate the presence of oral cancer.

• Applies fluorides or other cavity-preventing agents to arrest dental decay.

•  Exposes and develops x-ray film.

• Records and reviews patient medical histories. Charts conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.

• Maintains dental equipment and sharpens and sterilizes dental instruments Includes Spore Test and cleaning Autoclave on a monthly basis.

• Provides clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.

• And other duties as assigned by supervisor

• Each employee of Christ Health is vital to providing overall quality care to our patients and may be included in the patient care team and daily huddle when deemed necessary by the Core Care Team.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Knowledge of general principles of dentistry and advanced knowledge of dental hygiene.
• Strong customer service skills
• Bi-lingual in Spanish is preferred
• Requires clarity and accuracy of writing and verbal presentation; and interpersonal communication skills
• Requires attention to detail, effective organization skills, ability to work in a fast paced situation and ability to self-direct with minimal supervision
• Proficiency in Dentrix is preferred

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE                                                             

• Associates degree or the successful completion of a recognized vocational program in dental hygiene. 
• Alabama State license required.
• Minimum of five years of clinical experience is preferred
• Current Infectious Control Certification or verification of participation in recent classroom course

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of standing, sitting, leaning and bending.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.
• Airborne personal exposure risk category I (Possible exposure of the healthcare worker to patients capable of transmitting M. tuberculosis).  Universal precautions will be adhered to at all times.

CULTURAL EXPECTATIONS

• Understands Christ Health Center Mission Statement and Values
• Consistently displays Christ Health Center’s Mission on a daily basis
• Treats patients, visitors and co-workers with love and respect