University System of Maryland          Job Class Specification TITLE: DENTAL HYGIENIST JOB CODE: N12DHU FLSA: NONEXEMPT JOB TYPE: INST SPECIFIC UMAB EEO6: H50 JOB FAMILY/SERIES: DEN IPED-SOC: 29-2021

APPROVED BY: Chancellor Donald N. Langenberg EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/01/1996

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.