Dental Hygienist - Tufts Special Care Dental Clinics

This position is located in Taunton, MA.

Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) offers one of the most forward-looking educational environments in dental medicine in the country. Tufts Special Care Dental Clinics (formerly Tufts Dental Facilities for Persons with Special Needs, TDF) is a network of seven outpatient clinics that provides dental care to approximately 7,000 developmentally disabled patients in the state of Massachusetts under the umbrella of TUSDM and in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Additional patient treatment is provided in the operating room setting at four affiliated hospitals within the state. The Tufts Special Care Dental Clinics program also provides a venue for teaching General Practice Residents through the Tufts GPR Program and 4th year dental students from TUSDM.

The Dental Hygienist collaborates with the dental team to provide preventive and therapeutic oral care. Responsibilities include conducting comprehensive oral health assessments, performing prophylactic cleanings, applying fluoride treatments, educating patients on oral hygiene and nutrition, and maintaining accurate and detailed clinical documentation. The role supports overall patient care and promotes long-term oral health through disease prevention and education.

Job Scope

• Collaborate with the dental team to monitor disease and develop prevention strategies that promote oral health.
• Conduct oral health assessments to identify signs of gum disease, decay, and abnormalities indicative of oral cancer.
• Complete prophylaxis, scaling and root planning, and curettage.
• Apply preventive treatments such as fluoride varnishes and dental sealants.
• Capture high-quality digital X-rays to assist in diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Review and update patient medical histories to identify any conditions or medications that may affect treatment.
• Write detailed progress notes in patient charts in order to update clinical records with treatment provided, observations, and recommendations.
• Complete billing and coding for dental hygiene procedures for insurance and practice management.
• Teach proper brushing and flossing techniques tailored to each patient's needs.
• Provide nutritional counseling related to oral health.
• Explain treatment plans and preventive care to patients and caregivers.
• Coordinate with dentists, dental assistants and patient registration coordinators to ensure smooth patient flow and care delivery.
• Assist in scheduling follow-up appointments and recall visits.
• Support front desk staff when needed, including confirming or rescheduling appointments.
• Travel to other sites is required.
• All other duties as required.

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and skills as typically acquired through completion of an Associate's Degree.
• 1-3 years of experience.
• MA Dental Hygiene License or MA Dentist License.
• Familiarity with dental software, email and Microsoft Word applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree preferred with 3-5 years related experience.
• The successful candidate must be a team-player and must be organized, self-motivated and must manage their time efficiently.
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work with a diverse provider, team, and patient population.

Special Work Schedule Requirements:

35 hours a week, Monday - Friday, 8:30AM - 4:30PM.