Class Code: 02222
82222
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –
HUMAN RESOURCES
DENTAL HYGIENIST
DEFINITION
Under the general direction of a dentist, provides
preventative clinical services and instruction in dental hygiene to residents
of a state institution; performs related work as required.
The Work Examples and Competencies
listed are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary
basis for position classification decisions.
WORK EXAMPLES
Performs oral prophylaxis procedures such as scaling,
application of fluoride, and oral inspection, noting and reporting to the
dentist possible decay or disease.
Assists the dentist in restorative or surgical work by
preparing instruments, mixing materials, and aspirating the patient's mouth.
Assesses the need for and develops oral health
education programs for individuals or groups of patients; gives talks or
demonstrations on the proper care of teeth and the oral cavity as part of a
total health program.
Obtains medical and dental histories of patients and
maintains dental records for use by the dentist in diagnosing the patients'
dental condition.
Performs laboratory and some clerical work such as
mixing compounds and antiseptic solutions, sterilizing instruments, ordering
supplies, and scheduling patients for dental work.
Takes, develops and mounts dental radiographs.
Oversees the work of students of dental hygiene or
dental health occupations and employees such as Dental Assistants that may be
assigned to the dental office to perform routine health care procedures.
COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
Knowledge of the
principles, techniques, terminology and practices of dental health and
preventative clinical services.
Knowledge of dental
instruments, equipment and procedures.
Knowledge of the basic,
social, dental and clinical sciences in the prevention and control of dental
diseases.
Knowledge of the methods
and media used in health education.
Ability to apply knowledge
of human behavior, basic principles of communication and basic theories of
learning and educational methods in dental health.
Ability to participate
effectively in the team approach to dental and total health care.
Ability to establish and
maintain effective working relationships with students, employees and patients.
Ability to meet customer
needs in a consistently helpful and courteous manner.
Ability to work
cooperatively with others as part of a team.
Ability to apply personal
work attitudes such as honesty, responsibility and trustworthiness required to
be a productive employee.
Displays high standards of
ethical conduct. Exhibits honesty and
integrity. Refrains from theft-related,
dishonest or unethical behavior.
Works and communicates with
internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite,
courteous, and cooperative manner.
Committed to quality service.
Displays a high level of
initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments
efficiently. Works with minimal
supervision. Demonstrates responsible
behavior and attention to detail.
Responds appropriately to
supervision. Follows policy and
cooperates with supervisors.
Aligns behavior with the
needs, priorities and goals of the organization.
Encourages and facilitates
cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity.
Fosters commitment and team spirit.
Expresses information to
individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature
of the information. Listens to others
and responds appropriately.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Licensure as a Dental
Hygienist in the State of
Effective
Date: 6/08
SH