Dental Hygienist - Tufts Dental Facilities for Special Needs

This position is based in Taunton, MA.

Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) offers one of the most forward-looking educational environments in dental medicine in the country. Tufts Dental Facilities for Persons with Special Needs (TDF) is a network of seven outpatient clinics that provides dental care to approximately 7,000 developmentally disabled patients in the state of Massachusetts under the umbrella of TUSDM and in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Additional patient treatment is provided in the operating room setting at four affiliated hospitals within the state. The TDF program also provides a venue for teaching General Practice Residents through the Tufts GPR Program and 4th year dental students from TUSDM.

The Dental Hygienist is responsible for providing comprehensive oral hygiene care to patients of the Northwoods clinic. This includes providing preventive care including scaling, root planning, nutritional, and plaque control counseling, prophylaxis, fluoride, and scheduling/maintaining hygiene recall/recare program and incorporating new patients into the hygiene program.

The position is also responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring disease prevention and promotion of oral health for the patients of the Northwoods clinic.

Job Scope:

• Perform preventive and therapeutic treatments including prophylaxis, scaling and root planning, curettage, , applying fluoride, and taking and developing diagnostic quality radiographs. Must be familiar with all dental procedures such as: General Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Implants, Prosthodontics, Endodontics and Periodontology.
• Write compliant, professional and complete chart progress notes in dental records for treatment documentation.
• Assure efficient and cost effective scheduling. Serve as a critical liaison to the patients regarding treatment plans, prevention and recall programs.
• Monitor dental supply and equipment inventory and process order requests.
• Back up support to: dental assistants, administrative staff, dentists and director. Administrative duties to include, but not limited to:, confirming patients, rescheduling patients, scheduling patients, recall/recare, collecting payments.
• Convey a professional appearance and set a positive tone in the clinic.
• All other duties as required.

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and skills as typically acquired through completion of an Associate's Degree.
• 1-3 years of experience.
• MA Dental Hygiene License or MA Dentist License.
• Familiarity with dental software, email and Microsoft Word applications.
• Ability to lift 30 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree preferred with 3-5 years related experience.
• The successful candidate must be a team-player and must be organized, self-motivated and must manage his/her time efficiently.
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work with a diverse provider, team, and patient population.