2204-Dental Hygienist

Job description

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Title: Dental Hygienist

Job Code: 2204

1

INTRODUCTION

Under general supervision, the Dental Hygienist examines and cleans the teeth of dental patients by

using x-rays, local anesthetics and modern prophylactic technology.

Responsibilities include: providing individual and group instructions to patients on the subject of oral

hygiene; encouraging the use of corrective treatment as well as preventive methods such as proper

cleaning, regular examinations, fluoride treatment and good nutrition; assisting in developing,

evaluating and distributing dental health educational material; conducting research and training;

acting as consultant to Public Health and school personnel on oral health programs; coordinating and

implementing the Dental Disease Program which includes preparing quarterly reports. The Dental

Hygienist also performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The 2204 Dental Hygienist is a paraprofessional class that specializes in patient education and

preventative oral healthcare, including examinations and cleaning. This class is distinguished from

the 2202 Dental Aide in that the latter provides support and prep work for practitioners who examine

and work on dental health patients. The 2204 Dental Hygienist performs more complex duties

having more clinical responsibility that require specialized training and licensure.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

This class receives direct supervision from the 2210 Dentist. This class does not supervise.

MAJOR, IMPORTANT, AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this

job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Examines, takes x-rays as necessary, cleans and performs periodontal charting of patients'

teeth.

2. Sterilizes, and maintains all instruments/equipment.

3. Administers anesthetic agents based.

4. Maintains accurate patients' records.

5. Instructs community groups and individuals of all ages on oral hygiene.

6. Keeps abreast of advancements in oral hygiene and related fields.

7. Assists in co-coordinating the case management of dental/oral cases.

8. Assists in developing, evaluating, and distributing dental health education materials.

9. Performs research work, training, and acts as consultant to public health and school

personnel on oral health programs.

10. Coordinates and implements the Dental Disease Program which includes preparing quarterly

reports.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Requires a thorough knowledge of: modern principles, practices and techniques of dental

hygiene; dental terminology and dental science; current methods and techniques of oral

prophylaxis; use and application of modern anesthetic and pain control; theory, methods and

practices for the prevention of dental diseases and the required corrective treatment; oral

pathology, head and neck anatomy and tooth morphology; communicable disease, modes of

transmission, prevention and treatment; methods and materials used in a dental health

educational program; regulations and standards governing dental hygiene and handling of patient

records and information; Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); American

Dental Association (ADA) guidelines; and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

standards.

Requires skill and ability to: provide effective Oral Hygiene Instructions to all age groups; develop

materials for dental health education; write and speak effectively; establish and maintain good

relations with lay and professional personnel and gain their cooperation in the achievement of

dental health objectives; deal courteously, effectively and tactfully with dental patients; use dental

equipment and instruments in examining and cleaning teeth.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

These minimum qualifications are to be used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or

license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may

apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES: Any combination of training and experience that could

likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may be qualifying. A typical way to obtain this

would be:

TRAINING: One (1) year of verifiable full time experience as a Dental Hygienist.

EXPERIENCE: Requires completion of high school, followed by completion of an approved course in

dental hygiene recognized by the State Board of Dental Examiners.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION

Requires possession of a valid Registered Dental Hygienist License issued by the Dental Hygienist

Committee of California.

AND

Possession of, or the ability to obtain within two (2) weeks of hire, and maintenance of a valid

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate issued by the American Heart Association is

required.

PROMOTIVE LINES

To: No normal line of promotion

From: None

ORIGINATION DATE: 1/12/61

AMENDED DATE: 8/2/11

REASON FOR AMENDMENT To accurately reflect the current tasks, knowledge, skills and

abilities defined in the most recent job analysis conducted for

this job code.

BUSINESS UNIT(S): COMMN

Standard information

Disaster service work

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Historic and future compensation