Overall Responsibility

Hygiene Assistants are responsible for patient clerical duties, and charting maintenance duties. The hygiene assistant’s job is to assist the hygienist in order to make the hygienist more efficient and productive. Their direct involvement with the patients is largely at the discretion of the hygienist. It is the hygienist’s goal for the hygiene assistant to play an active role and become as knowledgeable as possible in their field to further ensure that the patient's needs are met and to make the hygienist that much more efficient.  It is the hygienist’s responsibility to communicate what they expect of their assistant within the parameters of their job description where these matters are concerned.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Make sure computers are turned on in the am and rooms are ready for the day

• Fill water bottles

• Be present during pre-shift huddle and note problematic areas to be prepared for

• When setting up rooms, make sure to set up for what is needed with the next patient (x-rays, srp), everybody sets up the rooms the same way. 

• Keep sterile running and organized

• Keep hygienist on time by seating pt on time (communicate with hygienist)

• Help hygienist perio chart if needed

• Make sure all tx is in pt chart correctly and on route sheet prior to walking up to front office

• Make sure that all services are correct in appt prior to walking pt up to front office

• Help hygienist take impressions if necessary, pour up models and make trays (using tracking system)

• Assist in scanning pt if necessary for Invisalign, night guards, etc.

• Pull tags when items are low and add to order list if office supplies are low (paper towels, toilet paper, etc)

• Schedule pt next re-care appt if needed

• Make sure pt safety glasses are spot free

• Ensure treatment room is stocked, sterilized and setup for each appointment

• Breakdown and set up operatories.

• Familiarity with each doctor’s tray set up preferences.

• Greets and introduces position to each patient

• Updates health history and information upon each visit.

• Charts and documents all procedures performed and indicate next treatment to be performed

• Works in unity with other clinical staff to ensure the proper appearance of lab and treatment rooms

• Charts procedures to include patient conditions, medical and dental histories, treatment procedures and patient comments

• X-rays, & IO photos

• Reinforces recommendations for treatment

• Coordinates the office recall system with the hygienist

• Maintains inventory control in the hygiene rooms

• Shares maintenance duties as required

• Sterilizes instruments

• Performs recurring and routine work independently

• Depending on workload, assists in monitoring the schedule and confirming appointments

• Other duties as assigned

Skills and Attributes

• Good planning and organizational skills

• Computer literacy

• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills

• Professional appearance and manner

• Ability to lift 15-20 lbs.

• Make patients feel welcomed.

Job Specifications:

• HS Diploma or GED

• Dental Assistant Certification

• X-Ray Certification

• 2 Year Minimum Experience