Full-time, 4 10hour shifts. Monday - Friday. 7:30am to 5pm
The Dental Hygienist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
The Dental Hygienist provides preventive oral healthcare services and patient education in an outpatient dental clinic. The Dental Hygienist works collaboratively with dentists and other healthcare professionals to support optimal oral health outcomes.
Responsibilities:
• Perform thorough dental cleanings, including scaling and polishing teeth.
• Conduct comprehensive periodontal screenings, oral health assessments, and risk evaluations for dental disease.
• Provide preventive dental services including prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance, fluoride treatments, sealants, and other procedures within scope of licensure
• Assess periodontal health in accordance with provider orders and evidence-based practice standards.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation within the electronic medical record, including assessments, treatment provided, patient education, and follow-up recommendations. Review medical histories and update patient records.
• Take diagnostic dental radiographs and assist with CBCT imaging in accordance with radiation safety standards, regulatory requirements, and department protocols.
• Assist dentist and interdisciplinary care team in delivering patient-centered oral healthcare during examinations, treatments, and other dental tasks.
• Collaborate with dentists in the development and implementation of treatment plans and preventive care strategies.
• Educate patients on proper brushing, flossing, oral health maintenance, and treatment recommendations.
• Administer local anesthesia, nitrous oxide monitoring, and other adjunctive procedures authorized under Illinois law and consistent with individual training, certification, and hospital privileges.
• Adheres to infection prevention and safety standards. Sterilize instruments and equipment, ensuring compliance with sterilization, maintenance, and quality assurance requirements.
• Promote patient comfort and provide exceptional customer service.
• Participate in professional development, quality improvement, patient safety, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Adheres to infection prevention and safety standards. Sterilize instruments and equipment, ensuring compliance with sterilization, maintenance, and quality assurance requirements.
• Promote and maintain professional working relationships and effective communication with interdisciplinary team.
• Attend and contribute to departmental and discipline-specific service meetings.
Organizational Expectations:
• Adheres to Northwestern Medicine and departmental policies and procedures.
• Adheres to the Code of Ethics, Customer Service Standards and the Patients First mission as demonstrated through positive patient/guest relations, positive and effective interactions with staff, formulating and meeting developmental goals
Minimum Requirements:
• Education: Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited program.
• Licensure: Current IL Registered Dental Hygienist license (IDFPR).
• Certification: CPR BLS certification through American Heart Association
• Experience: Knowledge of dental terminology, procedures, and instruments.
Preferred:
• 1+ year of experience working as a Dental Hygienist
• Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene or related field.
• Proficient in computer skills and dental software applications, such as EPIC and using dental x-ray software.
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events.
Click on or copy and paste URL to your browser to view detailed benefits information https://jobs.nm.org/benefits
Please refer to the Benefits Eligibility by Employment Classification to determine benefits eligibility for job postings.
If sign-on bonus is included in a job posting eligibility is as followed: Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign-on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position as a Registered Nurse at NM may be eligible.