Registered Dental Hygienist

As a Registered Dental Hygienist at Smile Illinois, your main responsibilities include assisting in the oral health management of patients by providing services such as dental prophylaxis, sealant application, and fluoride treatments. You'll also review patients' medical histories, conduct oral health assessments, educate children about dental hygiene, and document services on patient charts.

To qualify for the Registered Dental Hygienist position at Smile Illinois, you must have an active RDH license and working experience as a dental hygienist, alongside CPR or BLS certification. You'll also need to demonstrate the ability to work well with children, grasp organizational skills, and handle the physical demands of the role, which include lifting equipment and traveling within the county.

The work schedule for a Registered Dental Hygienist at Smile Illinois aligns with school hours, typically running from about 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., allowing you to have evenings, weekends, and summers off! This structure is ideal for those seeking a job that fits seamlessly with family life.

The mobile dental practice at Smile Illinois differs significantly from a traditional dental office as it brings dental care directly to schools. Utilizing portable equipment, dental professionals can transform everyday classroom environments into functional dental offices, providing essential care to children who may otherwise lack access due to logistical and financial challenges.

Smile Illinois offers a robust benefits package to its Registered Dental Hygienists, including competitive salaries, health insurance, dental and vision coverage, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for both full and part-time employment. The innovative work atmosphere and commitment to children’s oral health make it a fulfilling place to work.

To handle stressful situations when working with children, it's essential to remain calm and patient. I focus on building rapport with the child, using engaging language and techniques to make them feel comfortable. I also stay organized to manage time efficiently and ensure that the child's needs are met without added pressure.

When educating patients on oral hygiene, I start by assessing their current understanding of dental care. I provide tailored guidance, using age-appropriate language and visual aids, to explain effective brushing and flossing techniques. I encourage questions and discussions to ensure they grasp the concepts fully.

The most rewarding aspect of being a Registered Dental Hygienist with Smile Illinois is the impact I can make on children's lives by improving their oral health and self-confidence. Knowing that I play a pivotal role in ensuring that underserved children receive necessary dental care in a familiar setting is incredibly fulfilling.

During a busy school day, I prioritize tasks by assessing which patients require immediate attention and organizing my schedule around their needs. I stay flexible and communicate with my team to ensure we work efficiently and effectively, maintaining a balance between quality of care and time management.

In a previous role, I worked with a team of dental professionals during a school health fair where we provided free screenings. My contribution was to coordinate the hygiene station, ensuring we had all necessary supplies ready and assisting teammates with their roles, promoting teamwork and fluid communication throughout the event.

To stay organized while managing multiple patients, I use checklists and digital record-keeping to track their needs and progress. This helps me ensure that I complete all required assessments and treatments efficiently, while also enabling quick access to each patient's information to provide personalized care.

I stay updated on the latest dental hygiene practices by regularly attending professional workshops, subscribing to dental journals, and participating in online forums. Networking with other dental professionals also provides valuable insights into emerging trends and best practices in the field.

Building rapport with young patients begins with creating a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. I try to engage them in conversation, use humor, and find common interests, making the experience enjoyable. Establishing trust is crucial, so I make sure to actively listen to their concerns and reassure them throughout the process.

If a child expresses fear about dental procedures, I would first listen empathetically to understand their concerns. I then explain the procedure in simple terms, highlighting how it will help them feel better. Offering choices and performing demonstrations can also help to ease their anxiety and build their confidence.

I want to work at Smile Illinois because I am passionate about improving children's oral health and believe in the mission of bringing dental care directly to underserved communities. The opportunity to work during school hours while making a meaningful difference aligns perfectly with my professional and personal values.