Tentative Classification Standards issued by the Division of Classification & Compensation are shared with the operating agencies of State government for their consideration and comment. Accordingly, this document that you are viewing is subject to change and will be issued in final form at the completion of the review period.

New York State Department of Civil Service

Division of Classification & Compensation

 

Tentative Classification Standard

 

Occ. Code 5359000

 

Dental Hygienist, Grade 12

 

 

Brief Description of Class

 

Dental Hygienists are licensed to practice dental hygiene in New York State and perform a wide variety of dental services in accordance with Article 133 of the Education Law. Positions assist dentists in their practice by performing preventive and therapeutic treatment procedures and by instructing individuals* in oral selfcare techniques. 

 

*Individual refers to a person who is being treated or cared for, and is used in place of patient, client, or other nomenclature specific to an agency. 

 

 

Distinguishing Characteristics

 

Dental Hygienist: works under the supervision of a licensed dentist; performs duties in the areas of preventive and therapeutic treatment and the instruction of individuals in oral self-care techniques, which have been identified by the New York State Education Department as functions requiring licensure, for at least seventy percent of their working time.

 

 

Related Classes

 

            Dental Assistants handle and manipulate dental instruments, materials, and pieces of apparatus to assist dental practitioners and dental students in the examination and treatment of individuals in a dental treatment office.

 

            Dentists are licensed to practice dentistry in New York State and perform a wide variety of activities related to restoring and maintaining individuals dental health in accordance with Article 133 of the Education Law.

 

 

Illustrative Tasks

 

Performs dental services under the supervision of a licensed dentist.

 

·         Takes medical history and charts dental caries.

 

·         Places and exposes diagnostic dental X-ray films.

 

·         Removes deposits, growths, and stains from the exposed surfaces of the teeth and applies topical agents for dental treatment.

 

·         Removes cement, places or removes rubber dam, removes sutures, and places matrix band.

 

·         Performs topical medication, fluoride, and anesthetic applications.

 

·         Polishes teeth, including existing restorations.

 

·         Takes impressions for study casts.

 

·         Places and removes temporary restorations.

 

·         Teaches proper hygiene techniques for teeth and gums and develops individual at-home oral hygiene programs.

 

May perform all services properly performed by a Dental Assistant.

 

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

Open Competitive:   Possession of a license and current registration to practice dental hygiene in New York State.

 

 

 

Note: Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe.  Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class.  The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written.  Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.

 

 

9/2020

 

 

PXH