ASCENSION DEPAUL SERVICES·New Orleans, Louisiana
The Dental Hygienist is responsible for the direct provision of quality dental care, including periodontal therapies and associated services, under the general supervision of a dentist. This role also involves assisting staff, performing expanded duties as allowed by law, and conducting community dental health education activities.
A full-time exempt position responsible for the direct provision of quality dental care and associated services to patients under the general supervision of a dentist and using established dental hygiene procedures. Assist other staff in a variety of patient care, office and laboratory duties. Perform broad responsibilities for clinic and community dental health education activities.
1. Improve the oral health of patients through the delivery of periodontal therapies and other dental hygiene-related services.
2. Enhance the efficiency of the clinic by performing expanded duties as allowable by law and as directed by the dentist. Meet or exceed all measurable standards of care, including overall clinical, quality, and productivity goals.
3. Ensure all patients enjoy a positive experience, and are treated with the care and compassion expected.
4. Ensure all patient records and related documentation are managed and maintained timely, accurately, and consistent with all HIPAA and related regulations and requirements.
5. Ensure all tasks provided and associated with patient care, patient administrative processes, and related duties comply with all regulatory and accreditation standards, as well as clinic policies and procedures.
6. Ensure direct patient care is delivered using established dental hygiene procedures.
7. Develop favorable relationships with all patients. Interact positively with patients to provide information and education about oral hygiene, handle and resolve patient concerns with enthusiasm and empathy.
8. Establish favorable working relationships with all staff members associated with clinic operations, including Patient Access Reps (PAR), dental assistants, dentists, and related staff.
9. Uphold and consistently represent the values and mission of the organization at all times. Represent the organization in a highly professional manner at all times.
10. Ensure compliance and attention to all corporate policies and procedures.
11. Complete continuing education as necessary to retain state license.
1. Assists in the oral health management of all Center patients.
2. Obtains baseline oral hygiene assessment data based on accepted principles of oral hygiene and periodontal care.
3. Provide direct patient care and dental services as trained, licensed, and assigned. Assess dental condition and needs of patients using approved patient screening procedures, including medical history review, dental charting, and periodontal charting.
4. Evaluate overall oral health, examining oral cavity for signs of periodontal disease or possible cancers, including recessed & bleeding gums, and oral lesions, communicating findings to supervising dentists.
5. Expose, process and mount radiograph films.
6. Document dental history or chief complaint; record and report pertinent observations and patient reactions to dentists, as appropriate.
7. Follow through with oral hygiene procedures in accordance with treatment plans prescribed by the attending dentist. Procedures may include: Prophylaxis, periodontal scaling, root planing, debridement, supra and subgingival scaling and curettage, application of fluoride treatments, and application of protective sealants.
8. Assist with or initiate emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment of patients.
9. Conduct dental health clinics for community groups to augment services of dentists.
10. Help patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment.
11. Educate patients in oral hygiene and dental care, including proper tooth brushing, flossing, nutrition and need for professional care.
12. Demonstrate commitment to the mission of the organization in promoting dental health.
13. Interact positively with a diverse, sometimes difficult, and demanding patient population.
14. Provide service in a manner that is appropriate for the patient’s age; demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to meet the patient’s physical, psychosocial, educational and safety needs.
15. Read, write, and maintain patient records and related administrative documentation.
16. Utilize the requisite tools, systems, technology and equipment in the collection of patient data, records management and collections.
17. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of dentistry procedures, clinic infection control procedures, cleaning and sterilization of instruments, tray setup and materials.
18. Demonstrate knowledge of established oral hygiene concepts and periodontal therapies.
Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, radiation, and other conditions common to a clinical environment may be routinely encountered.
• Certification to administer local anesthesia is preferred.
Include shift schedule Not Included Include budgeted hours Not Included
Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and successful completion of an accredited dental hygiene program, along with an unrestricted Registered Dental Hygienist license in Louisiana and current CPR certification. Required professional skills include knowledge of modern oral hygiene principles, independent work ability, organization, and computer proficiency for records and scheduling.
Market context
In Louisiana, dental hygiene roles are often shaped by steady patient demand in private practices, community clinics, and group dental settings. These positions are competitive because employers typically want an accredited dental hygiene degree, an active Louisiana license, and strong patient communication skills; the listed benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid holidays, and an Employee Assistance Program. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm licensure details and prepare to discuss chairside experience and patient education in your application.
