County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, may examine and clean teeth of dental patients; explain and interpret oral hygiene methods; consults with professional staff in Public Health Services; and perform related duties as required.

When assigned administrative duties, rather than clinical, the position assists in planning, implementation and evaluation of dental health projects and programs; consults with Agency staff and other professional groups regarding dental disease prevention programs; conducts dental screenings as requested by schools, pre-school centers, public health clinics, and various community groups.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This class differs from the classification of Dental Assistant in that the main responsibility of the latter is to assist the Dentist. Dental Hygienists examine and clean teeth and instruct patients in proper oral hygiene.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Conducts preliminary oral examinations and records defects; cleans and polishes teeth; takes and develops X-Rays of patient's teeth; advises and instructs patients in correct oral hygiene, and performs other intra-oral procedures under regulations provided by the State Board of Medical Examiners.

2. May perform root planning; polish and contour restorations and oral exfoliative cytology.

3. May coordinate the work of Dental Assistants.

4. Gives individual and group instructions to patients, families and groups in the care of teeth, encouraging the use of corrective treatment, as well as preventive methods such as proper cleanings, regular examinations and good nutrition; uses pictures, pamphlets and other demonstration materials as part of instruction programs. Assists in selecting, evaluating and distributing dental health educational materials.

5. Keeps informed of developments in dental health; interprets new developments to nurses, teachers and school administrators.

6. Sterilizes and dries instruments, rubber cup and other equipment used; mixes cold sterilizing solutions, cleans and files sterilizing trays and electric sterilizers.

7. Conducts dental screenings as requested by schools, pre-school centers, public health clinics and various community groups; assists in assessment and identification of oral health needs throughout the County.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Completion of an approved course in dental hygiene recognized by the California State Board of Dental Examiners,

And

License:

Possession of certificate of licensure from the State of California to practice as a Dental Hygienist,

And

Possession of certificate of licensure from the State of California in dental radiographs.

Possession of a valid California Driver's license is required for positions which require field work.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and techniques of dental hygiene.
• Dental terminology and dental science.
• Theories, methods and procedures for the prevention of dental diseases and the required corrective treatment.
• Methods and materials used in a dental health education program.
• Community relations.
• Techniques of motivation and communication.
• Principles, methods and materials used in dental health education.
• Principles of program development and evaluation.

Ability to:

• Give group and individual instruction in dental hygiene.
• Plan and conduct in-service training programs and dental disease prevention programs in various settings.
• Develop material for dental health education.
• Evaluate effectiveness of dental health programs.
• Write and speak effectively.
• Establish and maintain good relations with lay and professional personnel, such as nurses, teachers and school administrators.
• Deal courteously, effectively and tactfully with dental patients.
• Clean and examine teeth and apply knowledge of dental hygiene in instruction of dental patients.
• Use dental equipment and instruments in examining and cleaning teeth.
• Assist in instruction of skills to staff and students.
• Conduct classroom curricular activities.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Revised: 6/80
JFB:gcb
Revised: 6/11/86
LB:pb
Old document: 0540h
New document: Jobspecs/5779
ys/7/01
CSC Date: 11/19/86

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.