Dental Hygienists are responsible for providing oral care to patients under the supervision of a dentist. This includes, but is not limited to, cleanings, patient screenings, and advising patients on oral health and preventative care.
Establish and maintain positive relationship with patients, visitors and other employees. Interacts professionally, courteously and appropriately with patients, visitors and other employees. Behave in manner consistent with maintaining and furthering a positive public perception of Martin Luther King Health System and its employees.
Contributes to and participates in the Performance/Quality Improvement activities of the assigned department. Contribution and participation includes data collection, analysis, implementation of and compliance with risk management and claims activities, support of and participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) teams, consistent adherence to the specific rules and regulations of the of Martin Luther King Health System (a) Safety and Security Policies, (b) Risk Management: Incident and Occurrence Reporting, (c) Infection Control Policies and Procedures and (d) Patient and Customer Service.
Removes calculus and plaque from all surfaces of the teeth under the supervision of a dental attending.
Applies preventative materials to the teeth (ex: sealant, fluoride) under the supervision of a dental attending.
Teaches patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health (ex: brushing, flossing, nutritional counseling, smoking cessation) under the supervision of a dental attending.
Takes and develops dental radiographs under the supervision of a dental attending.
Performs patient screening procedures, such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection and taking blood pressure and pulse under the supervision of a dental attending.
Displays proficiency in both hospital and dental electronic medical record systems (ex: dental charting, coding, reviewing medical records, entering and amending notes, etc.) under the supervision of a dental attending.
Counsels patients about healthy nutrition and its impact on oral health under the supervision of a dental attending.
Minimum of 1 year of Dental Hygienist experience required.2 years of experience preferred.
New York State License as Dental Hygienist
High school graduate or equivalent
Computer literacy, especially with scheduling and medical records software
BronxCare is the largest voluntary, not-for-profit health and teaching hospital system serving the South and Central Bronx, with 859 beds and more than 4,500 employees. Its two main hospital divisions, comprehensive psychiatric and chemical dependency programs, long-term care facility, and extensive outpatient network of 39 practices are providing the wide range of services needed by the community. BronxCare is now among the largest providers of outpatient services in New York City, with close to 750,000 visits annually. Its ER is among the largest in the nation with 127,000 visits annually.
In 2023, BronxCare received full accreditation from the Joint Commission, the leading accrediting authority for hospitals in the nation. Its medical school affiliation with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and clinical collaboration with the Mount Sinai Health System, as well as 16 accredited residency and fellowship programs, are strong indicators of excellence. BronxCare’s outpatient practices are also certified as a Level Three Patient-Centered Medical Home (the highest designation) by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
As an engine for positive change, BronxCare has infused more than $400 million into the Bronx economy, including a new Pediatric Specialty Center and Ophthalmology Practice, among numerous other capital projects. A new 33-bed Medical-Surgical Unit at the Concourse Hospital Division and 20-bed Adult Psychiatric Unit at the Fulton Hospital Division will increase inpatient capacity to 912 beds, further reinforcing BronxCare’s ability to address the significant needs of the Bronx community.
BronxCare is also modernizing its Inpatient Maternity and Labor and Delivery Units, as well as its Women’s Health Center and Neurology Suite, to improve the patient experience. Additionally, BronxCare’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Health Center Practice at 174th Street will be opening.
