| Description |
The Dental Hygiene Assistant supports the dental hygienist in providing exceptional preventive dental care while creating a fun, welcoming, and positive experience for children and their families. This role is responsible for preparing treatment rooms, assisting during hygiene appointments, taking dental X-rays, maintaining infection control standards, and helping ensure every patient has a comfortable and enjoyable visit. The ideal candidate is energetic, patient, compassionate, and enjoys working with children of all ages. **Key Responsibilities** * Prepare treatment rooms and ensure all instruments and supplies are ready for patient care. * Assist the dental hygienist during hygiene procedures as needed. * Take dental X-rays in accordance with office protocols and state regulations. * Welcome and escort pediatric patients and their families, helping children feel comfortable and at ease throughout their visit. * Take and record medical and dental histories. * Clean, disinfect, and sterilize instruments and equipment following infection control guidelines. * Maintain treatment room cleanliness and stock clinical supplies. * Update electronic patient records accurately and promptly. * Reinforce oral hygiene instructions and encourage positive dental habits in a child-friendly, age-appropriate manner. * Support behavior guidance techniques to help children have successful dental visits. * Schedule patient appointments and assist with administrative duties as needed. * Ensure compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, and CDC infection control standards. * Assist with inventory management and ordering clinical supplies. **Qualifications** * High school diploma or equivalent required. * Dental Assisting certification preferred (if required by state). * CPR/BLS certification. * Previous dental assisting or hygiene assisting experience preferred. * Knowledge of dental terminology, instruments, infection control procedures, and dental X-ray techniques. * Familiarity with dental practice management software is a plus. * Experience working with children is preferred. **Skills & Abilities** * Friendly, upbeat personality with a genuine passion for working with children. * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with both children and parents. * Strong organizational and time-management abilities. * Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. * Attention to detail and commitment to patient safety. * Team-oriented with a positive attitude and willingness to help wherever needed. * Ability to create a calm, encouraging, and fun environment for pediatric patients. **Physical Requirements** * Ability to stand, sit, and move throughout the workday. * Manual dexterity to handle dental instruments and equipment. * Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally. * Ability to follow standard infection control and personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols. **Our Mission:** We are committed to providing exceptional dental care in a warm, caring, and child-centered environment. Every team member plays an important role in helping children build healthy smiles and positive dental experiences that last a lifetime. |
