Dental Hygienist (HTAC/DN 1)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Managerial/Administrative: 

• In collaboration with the Dental Surgeon, participate in the review of existing policies and procedures, recommends changes and enhancements to improve operational effectiveness of services. 
• Participates in the development of policies and procedures to guide the operations of the dental service delivery. 
• Participates in the preparation of the individual work plans. 

Technical/Professional: 

• Provide dental advice on dental hygiene care and oral health education to patients/inmates of all ages. 
• Work closely with the dental team to treat and help patients/inmates in preventing gum disease. 
• Use a range of dental instruments to clean, polish and scale teeth. 
• Remove plaque and apply treatments to reduce decay. 
• Ensure that dental instruments and tools are sterilized appropriately. 
• Take impressions and radiographs of teeth. 
• Give local anesthetic under the supervision of a dentist. 
• Apply temporary coatings and sealants to protect teeth. 
• Encourage and demonstrate tooth brushing and flossing. 
• Collect medical and dental histories and maintain patients' health records.
• Provide chair-side assistance during dental procedures. 
• Create moulds of patients’ teeth in preparation for dentures, bridges and other prostheses.
• Chart dental conditions based on dentist’s observations and evaluations. 

Other Responsibilities: 

• The incumbent may, from time to time, be assigned duties not specifically outlined within the job description but are within the capacity, qualifications and experience normally expected from a person occupying this position. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities; 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent integrity/ethics exercised in the performance of duties; 
• Good team work; 
• Ability to recognize and evaluate the health needs of individuals; 
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills; 
• Knowledge in computer application. 

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• B.Sc. in Oral Health Science or Dental Hygiene from an accredited school of Dentistry;
• Registered with the Dental Council of Jamaica; 
• Two (2) years Clinical experience. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Critical deadlines for completion of tasks. 
• May be required to work beyond the normal working hours. 
• May be required to work on weekends and public holidays. 
• Exposure to high-risk environment within Correctional Facilities and their environs. 

The Department of Correctional Services thanks all applicants for their interest, but only those shortlisted will be contacted.