Dental Hygienist

DENTAL HYGIENIST (009190)

UCPath Position ID: MI-DPT135000-JC009190-PD168168

Position Description History/Status

For Reference ONLY - PeopleAdmin JA Number:

603186

Approved Date:

5/6/2026 8:24:50 PM

Date Last Edited:

5/6/2026 8:24:47 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

3/8/2024

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

2100O

Organization:

DENTISTRY

Division Code:

2110D

Division:

CLINICAL

Department:

135000 - DENTISTRY

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

MI-DPT135000-JC009190-PD168168

Position Description ID

168168

UC Payroll Title:

DENTAL HYGIENIST (009190)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Non-Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

EX: Patient Care Technical

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

0.8

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40063722

Reports to Payroll Title:

AMBUL CARE ADMSTN SUPV 2

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40094006

Department Head Payroll Title:

DEAN

SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent performs a variety of routine duties within established policies and procedures or by referral to the supervisor’s guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Dental Hygienist provides patient-centered oral health care and education within individualized disease prevention programs. Under the direction of supervising faculty practitioners, the Dental Hygienist performs preventive and therapeutic services, including scaling, root planing, curettage, and polishing of teeth. The role also includes taking and developing radiographs, coordinating patient treatment in collaboration with faculty providers, and ensuring adherence to established clinical practice policies. The Dental Hygienist may also seek clarification and guidance from the Practice Manager regarding patient care, scheduling, and billing procedures.

CLINICAL PERFORMANCE

1. Perform scaling procedures.

2. Perform polishing and complete stain removal.

3. Perform root planning and soft tissue curettage when necessary.

4. Assess caries index.

5. Perform periodontal assessment and maintenance.

6. Perform oral cancer screening and exam.

7. Take and develop x-rays when necessary.

8. Sharpen instruments.

9. Explain fluoridation and its use through water, supplements, and mouth rinses.

10. Apply topical fluoride when necessary.

11. Assess patient's need for pain control:

a) Application of topical anesthetic

b) Administer local anesthesia

c) Administer nitrous oxide sedation when necessary under supervision of attending dentist

d) Assess dental needs of patients and communicate to practitioners.

60%

PATIENT EDUCATION

1. Oral hygiene assessment.

2. Explanation and instruction in homecare procedures:

a) Toothbrushing

b) Flossing

c) Oral hygiene aids

3. Explanation of disease:

a) Caries process

b) Periodontal disease

4. Dietary and nutritional counseling.

5. Explanation and instruction of fluoride and its proper usage:

a) Topical application

b) Homecare rinses

c) Supplements

10%

HEALTH RECORDS

1. Take and review complete health histories.

2. Update health history in record at every recall.

3. Code Medical Alerts" on records when necessary.

4. Explain requirements of antibiotic regime for premedication.

5%

PATIENT MANAGEMENT

1. Motivate patients in optimum oral care.

2. Instill confidence to patients.

3. Be prompt in appointments.

4. Manage patient discomfort and apprehension.

5%

RECORD KEEPING

1. Record all services rendered and dates in charts.

2. Record evaluation of oral hygiene status.

3. Record medical history updates.

4. Record comments and/or recommendations.

5. Note changes of name, address, telephone, and insurance status.

6. Note any diseases or problems for referral to dentist or physician.

7. Note periodic recall.

5%

STERILIZATION PROCEDURES

1. Clean operatories between patients at end of day.

2. Practice proper University protocols with infectious disease patients.

3. Practice use of protective wear such as rubber gloves, masks, and safety lenses when treating patients.

5%

INTERACTION WITH OFFICE PERSONNEL

1. Provide assistance to RDA's and faculty practitioners as appropriate and required.

2. Assume other duties when necessary.

5%

STOCKING INVENTORY

1. Maintain adequate inventory at all times.

2. Order supplies in advance of need.

5%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Current California Dental Hygienist license and radiology certification

Required

Current California Dental Hygienist license and radiology certification; completion of radiation safety course.

Required

Minimum 2 years of recent experience as a dental hygienist.

Required

Proficiency with dental terminology, instruments (scalers, curettes, Cavitron), and equipment (handpieces, x-ray units).

Required

Knowledge of sanitation, sterilization, and safety protocols in dental operatories.

Required

Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with patients, faculty, staff, and the public in a high-volume clinical setting.

Required

Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to emergencies.

Required

Demonstrated ability to provide compassionate care for patients with disabilities, compromised health, or special needs.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.

TB Test: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory TB test.

COVID and Flu Vaccinations: The position is subject to providing evidence of inoculation.

CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

School of Dentistry

Standing/Walking

X

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

X

Climbing

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 1: Position in which required tasks routinely involve a potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids or tissues, potential spills, and splashes. Use of appropriate measures is required for every employee in this position.