Performs oral prophylaxis and mouth X‑rays under supervision of a dentist; conducts a program of educating residents, staff, and parents in necessity for and techniques of keeping teeth clean; directs student dental hygienists.

Schedules and performs oral prophylaxis for prevention of periodontal disease using various scaling and polishing instruments; 

Performs oral radiographic surveys and charts existing oral conditions of patients; 

Gives individual patient instructions including tooth brushing techniques and dietary suggestions; 

Aids in planning and conducting a training program for personnel responsible for patients to teach them how to assist and train patients in oral hygiene; procures and develops dental health educational materials such as films, models, slides, and brochures; organizes and participates in meetings, conferences and study projects or group discussions on dental health; 

Provides consultation and guidance to parents or sponsors of patients or to community groups to promote dental health and education for outpatients; 

Assists in training and supervising dental hygiene students as they provide clinic services in a hospital or institution; 

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of:  principles, techniques, terminology, and practices of dental hygiene; normal and abnormal conditions of the mouth; community health organizations and agencies concerned with dental health; preventive dental health services. 

Ability to: establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with professional and lay groups; speak effectively before groups and present information in a clear and concise manner; render prophylactic treatment to handicapped, mentally ill, or retarded patients.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

A valid Washington State license as Dental Hygienist.