Dental Hygienist

About the Business and the role:

Townsville Orthodontic Specialists is a Specialist Orthodontic practice located at The Lakes, Townsville, with a passion for high quality patient care. We currently have a full-time or part-time (by negotiation) position for a Dental Hygienist. This position is an integral role in our practice which assists the Orthodontist in the effective management of patient treatment and care, as well as providing a high standard of hygiene services within an orthodontic setting. The successful applicant will work directly with patients and their families to provide excellent service and care during their orthodontic treatment. This position comes with very attractive employment conditions and includes onsite training.

Job tasks and responsibilities:

• Provide orthodontic treatment as prescribed by the Orthodontist
• Remove and/or bond lingual/palatal retainers as appropriate
• Take high quality digital photos, study models and occlusal registration
• Intraoral digital scanning
• Cleaning and polishing of teeth
• Band selection/fitting for orthodontic appliances
• Removal of ligatures, archwire fixation, archwires, bands and TADs,
• Placement of archwire fixation
• Removal of orthodontic bracket adhesive and/or Invisalign attachments
• Measure and record signs of peridontal conditions as required
• Identify and record any caries/demineralisation
• Provide clinical services and health education to improve and maintain the oral health of our patients
• Make preliminary impressions for study models as required
• Be active and positive when promoting the Practice to patients and families
• Scheduling appointments for patients
• Ensure the day runs to the daily schedule, keep to the templated schedule and manage emergency patients
• Follow/implement sterilisation control in accordance to the practice's infection control manual. Comply with Workplace Health & Safety requirements to ensure a safe working environment
• As per Dental Board Policy #9 – ensure awareness of infection status and repeat testing at least every three (3) years
• Accurate and complete charting and follow up for all patients
• High standard of infection control and clinical skills
• Follow established procedures associated with chairside assistance as per practice policy
• Attend to any other surgery procedures deemed appropriate by the Practice

Skills and experience:

• Hold registration and maintain existing qualification as a Dental Hygienist and/or Oral Health Therapist
• Thorough knowledge of all clinical and general administrative procedures
• Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat our patients
• Knowledge of all instruments, materials and procedures
• Knowledge of sterilisation procedures
• Effective time management and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Team player
• Attention to detail
• Exceptional patient liaison ability
• High level of integrity and trustworthiness
• High level of literacy
• Knowledge of Workplace Health and Safety protocols
• Understanding the biology and psychology of the patient to enable effective treatment of that patient
• Show initiative and enthusiasm
• Class C drivers license

Job benefits and perks:

• 5 weeks annual leave per year (Please note: this one additional week of paid leave compared to standard four weeks of paid annual leave entitlement)
• Full Time Position: Four day working week (37 hours per week) which equates to one weekday RDO every week
• Part Time Position:  by negotiation
• No weekend work
• Excellent working conditions within a caring team environment
• Convenient parking
• Above award wages plus 12% superannuation
• Opportunity to attend CPD events