Assesses patient oral hygiene problems or needs and administers oral hygiene care to patients.
Employees in this class work under limited supervision of a dentist(s).
Records and reviews patient medical histories. Examines gums for sores and signs of disease. Cleans calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments. Exposes and develops x-rays. Applies fluorides or other cavity preventing agents to arrest dental decay. Administers local anesthetic agents. Makes impressions for study casts. Removes sutures and dressings. Provides fluoride treatments and administers topical anesthesia. Advises patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. Charts conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist. Maintains patient recall system. Maintains dental equipment and sharpens and sterilizes dental instruments. Provides clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients. Attends continuing education courses to maintain or update skills.
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat symptoms and diseases related to dental hygiene to include symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures. Skill in operating various dental equipment. Ability to plan and use time effectively. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
Certification as a Dental Hygienist by the South Carolina Board of Dentistry.
An associate degree in Dental Hygiene.