JOB SUMMARY
Under general supervision of a licensed dentist, provides preventive
dental care and instructs patients on good oral hygiene practices.
PRIMARY DUTIES
1. Obtains health history and measures vital signs.
2. Conducts preliminary dental examination, including extra- and
intra-oral structures of the head and neck.
3. Examines gum tissues including measurement of periodontal
pockets, recession, and other signs of gum disease.
4. Charts conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and
treatment by dentist.
5. Exposes, develops, and interprets dental x-rays.
6. Consults with dentist regarding patient history and treatment.
Formulates a dental hygiene treatment plan.
7. Performs dental prophylaxis which involves scaling and root
planning to remove calculus deposits, accretions, and stains from
teeth and beneath margins of gums. Polishes teeth or
restorations.
8. Applies caries-preventive agents such as fluorides and pit and
fissure sealants.
9. Helps patients develop and maintain good oral health by educating
them about plaque control, diet, tobacco use cessation, and other
habits affecting oral health.
10. Applies desensitizing agents and topical anesthesia.
11. Takes impressions of teeth for study models, custom fluoride
trays, or athletic mouthguards.
12. Places and removes periodontal dressings including initial
dressing. Removes sutures.
13. Operates technical equipment such as ultrasonic scaler, x-ray
machine, and x-ray processor.
14. Maintains up-to-date records on patients.
Note: The intent of this list of primary duties is to provide a
representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of
this job. Incumbents perform other related duties assigned. Specific
duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program.
LICENSURE: Currently licensed as a Dental Hygienist by the Maryland
State Board of Dental Examiners.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques of oral hygiene,
dental prophylaxis, and dental examination. Skill in the use of dental
instruments and equipment. Ability to wear and work in personal
protective equipment. Ability to explain the fundamentals of dental
care and oral hygiene to both individual patients and to groups of
patients. Ability to prepare and maintain dental charts, files, and
records. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships
with dentists, students, staff, and patients.
OTHER: Except for qualifications established by law, additional
related experience and formal education in which one has gained the
knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the
work of the job class may be substituted for the education or
experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college
credits being equivalent to one year of experience.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employees in this job class must be certified within the first twelve
months of employment. Candidates selected for employment may be
subject to medical inquiries and/or medical examination to determine
ability to perform the job. Employees in this job class must meet and
maintain the requirements for current dental hygiene licensing.
Overtime, weekend, on-call and shift work may be required in some
positions.