DENTAL HYGIENIST SERVICES
 

 Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Routine workload will be in response to government demand in the form of Dental

Officer prescription and the regularly scheduled dental checkups and maintenance

program of all residents. Primary workload is a result of appointments for

outpatient and inpatient clients in response to the dental clinic's approved dental

treatment schedule.

2. The work environment involves risks typically associated with the performance of

clinical dental procedures. The health care worker will maintain the concept of

universal precautions.

3. The Dental Hygienist is responsible for a full range of Dental Hygienist procedures in

support of the Dental Office: examinations, delivery of treatment under the "four

handed dentistry" format within the personnel and equipment capabilities and

limitations imposed by the Dental Hygienist Practice Acts, or similar regulations, of the

state of the facility. Additionally; the Dental Hygienist shall aid in the provision, and

within the limitations imposed by the Dental Hygienist Practice Acts, or similar

regulations, of the State where services provided, of mandated dental surveillance and

preventive services and the quality and timeliness of treatment records and reports

required to document procedures performed and care provided. The Dental Hygienist

shall refer patients who present with a complaint to staff dentists for evaluation and

continuation of care and shall attend multidisciplinary treatment team meetings on

behalf of the dental officers.

4. To treat all Active Duty beneficiaries presented for care.

5. Actual Dental Hygienist clinical activity will be a function of the overall demand for

Dental Hygienist services. Dental Hygienist productivity is expected to be

comparable to that of other Dental Hygienists assigned to the same facility and

authorized the same scope of practice.

6. Provide for the examination, treatment, and disposition of patients compatible with

the Dental Clinic's operating capacity and equipment.

7. Coordinate with other health care departments and the clinic staff to provide

complete care to patients.

8. Provide training to staff for routine Dental Hygienist activities and procedures so that

the benefit of routine care can be accrued.

9. Maintain patient records in accordance with external accreditation organizations and

established Coast Guard dental records maintenance requirements.

10. Select and arrange instruments and prepare setups for patient treatment.

11. Assist during patient examination and treatment.

12. Assist during administration of anesthesia.

13. Assist in placement and removal or sutures.

14. Instruct in basic oral hygiene care.

15. Prepare restorative and impression materials.

16. Dispose of contaminated waste in accordance with the standard procedures of the Dental

clinic.

17. Load and unload radiographic film cassettes.

18. Expose bitewing, periapical and occlusal film utilizing bisecting angle or paralleling

radiographic techniques.

19. Perform radiographic darkroom procedures to include manual and automatic film

processing.

20. The Dental Hygienist shall maintain his or her operatory to meet the clinic's standards,

and may be assigned other duties as directed by the Clinic Administrator.

21. Inventory medicine and drug stocks to ensure adequate supplies and controls.

22. Greets and receives patients and directs them to appropriate care.

23. Receives and screens telephone calls.

24. Files and maintains Healthcare records.

25. Files healthcare reports in health records.

26. Maintains Health Record checkout file.

27. Inputs daily patient information into Clinic's healthcare information systems.

28. Schedules and tracks consultations for specialty care.

29. Maintains referral log and notifies patients of appointments.

30. Reviews and verifies patient eligibility for care in accordance with Defense Eligibility

Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS) computer system guidelines.

31. Prepare and submit appropriate documentation as specified in applicable regulations.

32. Provides immediate evaluation and management of emergent problems as they

occur in addition to regular scheduled appointments