Dental Hygienist

Job Title:  Dental Hygienist 
Department: Dental
Location: Riedman Health Center- Pluta Dental
Hours Per Week: Full-time 36 hours
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm
 

SUMMARY:

Provides comprehensive dental prophylaxis care, necessary radiographs, and dental education to patients of the Rochester Regional Health Dental Group. Works efficiently with leadership that may include all or some of the following: Chair of Dentistry, Director of Dentistry, General Practice Residency Director, Staff Dentists and Practice Manager in evaluation and development of our dental services. Provides high quality and efficient dental services. Patients include children, adults, seniors, special needs, nursing home residents, hospital in-patients, and group home residents from various economic and social backgrounds

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Cleans and sterilizes all dental instruments following proper procedures as outlined in the Dental Policy and Procedure Manual.

• Works well with the Hospital Sterilization department in maintaining the flow of instruments between departments.

• Review and confirm patient’s medical history and note changes in medical record and review with the staff dentist supervising the patient’s care

• Maintains operatory equipment to run efficiently and smoothly by cleaning, oiling, and general maintenance of equipment.

• Follows the manufacturer’s recommendations in maintaining hand pieces, chairs, suction equipment, and radiographic equipment and documents per department standards.

• Demonstrates continued professional competence through continuing educational programs, journals, and educational experiences.

• Provides complete dental oral prophylaxis removing calcareous deposits, accretions and stains, including scaling and root planning of exposed root surfaces, polishing teeth including existing restorations. This may include: applying topical agents, topical fluoride applications and topical anesthetic applications, and pit and fissure sealants.

• Provides written documentation of all services rendered, treatment necessary, in the patient’s record/chart including the next appointment plan of care. Charting caries and periodontal conditions as an aid to diagnosis by the dentist.

• Provides clear written directions in communicating treatment provided (charge-entry); next appointment to be scheduled (number of units and treatment to be scheduled); and treatment pre-determinations to the practice coordinator/billing access associate as directed by the Dentist.

• Assist the Department Chief and GPR Director with the continuing review of general practice residents.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A.A.S. Degree from an approved Dental Hygiene Program.

• Current License or Permit to practice Dental Hygiene in NYS.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least one (1) year experience in a dental office or clinic setting preferred

• Must have Keyboarding skills and be familiar with the Windows environment

• Ability to anticipate needs and multitask with excellent customer service

• Exceptional attention to detail and cleanliness

EDUCATION:

AS: Dental Hygiene (Required)

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS: 

DH - Licensed Dental Hygienist - NYS Office of Professions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Light - Clinical - Light clinical roles involve frequent standing and walking, with occasional lifting of light objects (≤20 lbs.) and routine reaching, grasping, and fine manipulation for tasks such as patient care, laboratory work, or specimen processing. Staff rely on strong visual and auditory acuity to accurately observe specimens, read instrumentation, monitor patients, respond to alarms, and communicate effectively with care teams. Cognitive demands include multitasking, prioritizing clinical and laboratory workflows, and coordinating with interdisciplinary teams. Emotional resilience is necessary due to frequent interruptions, shifting priorities, and the need for precise and compassionate interaction with patients and colleagues. Environmental exposures may include infectious materials, biological specimens, cleaning agents, sharps, chemical reagents, and wet surfaces. PPE use, TB testing, and schedule flexibility are commonly required.

For disease specific care programs refer to the program specific requirements of the department for further specifications on experience and educational expectations, including continuing education requirements.

Any physical requirements reported by a prospective employee and/or employee’s physician or delegate will be considered for accommodations.

PAY RANGE:

$34.00 - $45.00Rochester14621

The posted pay range is a good faith representation of potential base pay for this position. It may be modified in the future and eligible for additional pay components. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates could vary based on position details and FTE. Pay is determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, experience, relevant qualifications, specialty, internal equity, locations, and contracts.

Rochester Regional Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.