POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Dental Hygienist supports the Cornell Oral Health Center for Individuals with Special Needs within the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the School of Dental Medicine. This role focuses on delivering comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care to patients with special health care needs, including individuals with physical, developmental, behavioral, and medically complex conditions. Responsibilities include performing dental prophylaxis, providing individualized oral hygiene instruction, patient and caregiver education, and maintaining a recall program tailored to patients requiring specialized accommodations and continuity of care.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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Obtain and review comprehensive oral and written medical histories with emphasis on complex medical conditions, medications, behavioral considerations, and coordination with medical providers and caregivers. (6%)
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Remove calculus beneath gingival tissues using manual and ultrasonic instrumentation, with modifications for special needs patients¿ tolerance, behavioral management needs, and medical considerations. Perform root planing when indicated. Apply topical anesthesia for scaling and root planing when indicated. Communicate with the dentist regarding the need for local anesthesia or advanced behavior guidance techniques (e.g., protective stabilization, sedation, general anesthesia). (24%)
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Remove stains and calculus from tooth surfaces using manual and ultrasonic instrumentation, incorporating adaptive techniques for special needs patients with limited cooperation, sensory sensitivities, or physical limitations. (18%)
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Polish tooth surfaces using a slow-speed rotary engine with pumice and fluoride, modifying technique based on patient comfort, tolerance, and developmental considerations. Apply caries-preventive agents, including fluoride varnish and sealants, with emphasis on high caries-risk populations and individualized preventive protocols. (14%)
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Expose, process, and interpret digital dental radiographs and intraoral photographs using modified techniques, positioning aids, or alternative approaches for patients with special needs. Examine and chart existing restorations, caries, and missing teeth. Record vital signs including blood pressure when appropriate. Provide tailored oral hygiene instruction, preventive counseling, and dietary guidance to patients and caregivers. Assess gingival health, probe and chart periodontal status. Identify and document abnormalities of soft and hard tissues, with heightened awareness of conditions associated with special needs populations. (25%)
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Develop and maintain a recall system tailored to special care patients, including coordination with caregivers, schools, group homes, and medical providers. Facilitate follow-up care, preventive maintenance, and participation in clinical research initiatives. (6%)
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Prepare and maintain the clinical environment to accommodate patients with mobility, behavioral, or medical needs. Adhere to OSHA standards, infection control protocols, and Case Western Reserve University procedures for sterilization, tracking, and patient safety. (6%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with all faculty and staff to maintain workflow.
University: No contact
External: Daily contact with patients and vendors to exchange information.
Students: Daily contact with students as required by residents¿ rotation to maintain workflow.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No direct supervisory responsibility.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 2 to 5 years of related dental experience.
Education/Licensing: High School education and graduate of an ADA accredited program in Dental Hygiene required. Associate's degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited program preferred. Current licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist in the State of Ohio. Current CPR/BLS certification.
REQUIRED SKILLS
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Demonstrated competency in preventive and periodontal dental hygiene procedures
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Ability to obtain and document comprehensive medical and dental histories
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Knowledge of infection control standards, including OSHA and CDC guidelines
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Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with patients, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams
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Ability to work in a clinical environment serving patients with special health care needs.
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Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
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Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
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Ability to meet consistent attendance.
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Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Use of or potential exposure to chemicals. Use of or potential exposure to human blood or tissue. Use of or potential exposure to radioactive materials. Must be able to lift/unload boxes of merchandise on a daily basis (approximately 1 to 35 lbs.) All employees are required to follow OSHA regulations; this includes wearing appropriate clinical apparel as needed (mask, gloves, gown, and glasses).
