City and County of San Francisco

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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:  1/12/61

Amended:  8/2/11

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.