Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

The dental hygienist role in the dental department is to perform data collection, review and evaluate all patient information, treatment plan and educate the dental patient under the direct supervision of the dental resident or the attending dentist. In addition, the dental hygienist will perform dental cleanings, take x-rays, maintain all supplies and equipment, and inventory. They will also adhere to universal precaution, and strict OSHA and infection control guidelines.

The hours for this position are Fridays only from 8:30AM to 5PM.

A day in the life of a Dental Hygienist at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

1. Take vitals, review entire patient record and take appropriate x-rays. Perform a complete assessment of the oral cavity and report findings to the Dentist. Perform a dental cleaning as outlined by the Dentist and provide oral hygiene instruction. Provide oral health education to the patient and home health aides. Provide other dental procedure within the scope of a dental hygienist. Assist the dentist with charting during exam and routine procedures. Follow all policies as it relates to patient ID, Universal Protocol, Infection Control, etc. Be familiar with dentrix. Dispose all dental waste in appropriate containers and bags.
2. Properly spray, scrub and disinfect all dental instrument of any debris. Maintain a sterilization log and transport all cassettes and instruments to Central sterilization. Disinfect and wipe down all dental equipment and operatory using hospital provided wipes and disinfectants. Use barriers and other personal protective equipment (glasses, mask, gloves, shield and gown). Maintain a neat and clean operatory. Maintain and update MSDS
3. Keep operatory stocked at all times. Informs the dental assistants of any needed dental supplies, material and equipment. Report all broken instrument and equipment to the Administrative Director and keep it segregated until repaired. Correctly document and dispose all expired medications and dental supplies. Obtain medical and dental supplies from central distribution as needed.
4. Take appropriate, diagnostic x-rays using the standard radiologic precautions. Accurately mount and label the x-rays. Review the x-rays for any dental abnormality of pathology. Maintain the panorex, x-ray units, scan-x system and accessories (phosphor plates, XCPS and barrier envelopes).
5. Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
6. Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

1. Must be a gradute from a US Dental Hygiene school and provide proof of certificate.
2. Minimum 2 years of private practice or hospital based experience required.
3. Must demonstrate proper use of all x-ray, cavitron, ultrasonic units and equipment.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

1. Experience with medically compromised and handicapped patients.
2. Knowledge of dental procedure codes, use of Dentrix practice management software and scan-x digital xray system.
3. Computer skills.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

1. Dental Hygienist License.

If you feel the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today!