Department: Dental Hygienist
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Pay Range: $40-$45 per hour
Work Location: Rochester, NY, In-person
Work Schedule: Full-Time (40hrs), Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Reports to: Dr. Torrado
Supervises: N/A
Job Summary
Torrado Dental is seeking a motivated and passionate Dental Hygienist to provide top-tier preventive services on our vibrant dental team! In this vital role, you will provide exceptional patient care by performing professional dental cleanings, assessments, and education to promote optimal oral health. Your energetic approach and commitment to excellence will help create a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable and cared for. As a key member of our practice, you will utilize your expertise in dental procedures, infection control, and patient communication to ensure the highest standards of care are maintained. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to grow your skills within a dynamic dental setting dedicated to community health and well-being.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Primary duties include:
- Prepares treatment room for patient by adhering to prescribed procedures and protocols.
- Prepares patient for dental hygiene treatment by welcoming, soothing, seating, and draping patient.
- Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests.
- Updates Medical History for every patient in Open Dental Software
- Completes all patient notes each day before close of business
- Assures codes and information on patient Routing Slip is accurate and complete
- Look ahead daily and weekly to fill open appointments in coordination with front desk.
- Adhere to schedule assignment for position and patients
- Maintains instrumentation for dental hygiene treatment by sharpening, sterilizing, and selecting instruments.
- Selects materials and equipment for dental hygiene visit by evaluating patient's oral health.
- Completes dental prophylaxis by cleaning deposits and stains from teeth and from beneath gum margins.
- Detects disease by completing oral cancer screening; feeling and visually examining gums; using probes to locate periodontal disease and to assess levels of recession; exposing and developing radiographic studies.
- Arrests dental decay by applying fluorides and other cavity- preventing agents.
- Educates patients by giving oral hygiene and plaque control instructions and postoperative instructions; providing reminders of time of next dental hygiene visit.
- Maintains dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
- Conserves dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
Confidentiality, Policies, & Procedures:
· Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
- Documents dental hygiene services by recording vital signs and medical and dental histories; charting in patient records.
- Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
- Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
- Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques.
Professionalism & Continued Development:
· Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in profession societies.
· Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed
· Maintain current license and meet all CE requirements for position
SUPERVISORY DUTIES
N/A
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
· Valid New York State license to practice dental hygiene.
· Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited program.
· Certifications: CPR/BLS certification.
· Skills: Proficiency in digital radiography, dental software (e.g., Open Dental), and excellent communication.
· Active CPR or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Core Knowledge, Technical Skills, and Soft Skills
· Deep understanding of dental anatomy, periodontal disease, pharmacology, and oral pathology.
· Knowledge of dental sealants, fluoride application, and oral health education.
· Expertise in capturing and interpreting digital dental X-rays.
· Thorough understanding of NYS Practice Act, OSHA guidelines, and infection control protocols.
· Knowledge of administering local infiltration anesthesia and nitrous oxide, if certified.
· Ability to perform scaling, root planing (deep cleaning), and prophylactic procedures.
· Operating ultrasonic scalers, taking dental impressions, and using intraoral cameras.
· Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) and dental software (e.g.,Open Dental).
· Clearly explaining treatment plans, providing patient education, and building rapport to reduce anxiety.
· Assessing patient health, identifying risks, and developing appropriate care plans.
· High level of fine motor skills to maneuver instruments in a small, precise, and often difficult-to-reach area of the mouth.
· Acute, detailed, and color vision to detect tooth decay and oral abnormalities.
· Excellent time management skills in a fast paced environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
Physical Demands
· Ability to sit or stand for long periods, bending, and repeating motions, requires strong manual dexterity for handling instruments.
· Ability to bend, twist, and maintain steady hand-eye coordination for extended periods.
· High level of hand-eye coordination needed to work in tight spaces on small areas of the mouth.
· Must wear protective equipment (gloves, masks, safety glasses) and adhere to strict sterilization protocols.
Work Environment
· Fast-Paced Setting: High-volume, back-to-back patient scheduling requires rapid, efficient movement between tasks.
· Working in small treatment rooms, often in close physical proximity to dentists, hygienists, and patients.
· Balancing clinical assisting, chairside preparation, sterilization of instruments, and sometimes administrative tasks.
Hours
40-hour work week, Monday through Friday, 8AM to 5PM.
Responsibilities
- Perform thorough dental cleanings, including scaling and polishing teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
- Conduct patient assessments by reviewing medical histories, vital signs, and current dental conditions.
- Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, preventive care, and treatment options to foster lifelong healthy habits.
- Assist with chairside procedures such as taking dental radiographs (medical imaging), applying sealants, and providing fluoride treatments.
- Maintain accurate and detailed medical records in compliance with HIPAA regulations and office protocols.
- Support infection control practices through aseptic techniques and sterilization of instruments to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.
- Collaborate with dentists and other team members using EMR (Electronic Medical Records) systems like Eaglesoft or Dentrix for documentation review and treatment planning.
Qualifications
- Valid state licensure as a Dental Hygienist with current certification to practice.
- Proven experience in general dentistry or pediatric dentistry settings, with familiarity in pediatric dentistry preferred.
- Proficiency in dental terminology, medical terminology, and understanding of anatomy related to oral health.
- Skilled in chairside assisting techniques including four-handed dentistry for efficiency and patient comfort.
- Knowledge of infection control standards, aseptic technique, and sterilization procedures.
- Experience working with EMR systems such as Eaglesoft or Dentrix is highly desirable.
- Strong patient care skills with the ability to assess patient needs accurately and communicate effectively. Join us in delivering outstanding dental care that transforms smiles! We value energetic professionals who are eager to make a positive impact on our patients’ lives through compassionate service, technical expertise, and teamwork. This is a paid position committed to supporting your professional growth while fostering a friendly, inclusive work environment dedicated to excellence in dental health.
Pay: $42.00 - $45.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
