Writing a job description/contract for a dental hygienist in dental practice

THE JOB DESCRIPTION: Describes how the dentist wants to use that person in the practice, adapted by communication and the resourcefulness of the employee. A hygienist is trained with a particular philosophy. The practice philosophy is generally something that has developed without the help of the hygienist's philosophy, but none the less both need active manipulation and respect. The job description described here has changed rapidly and will continue to evolve as we communicate, educate and change to try to improve our overall service and delivery. THE CONTRACT: Now that an understanding has been reached as to both hygienist's's and dentist expectations, a contract for employment is required. The Employment Act in New Zealand has determined that this is essential. It is difficult to determine a contract without the job description. A contract should have a time-frame and be concise. It should be firm and binding whereas the job description should be flexible. The contract should have a clause which takes account of the flexibility and developing nature of the job description. The job description can be a baseline not only for the hygienist, but for the communication necessary to develop and improve team systems and programmes. The contract and its renewal is just one of those systems. The changes to a contract can only occur on renewal, but this doesn't mean to say you can't both tear it up and start again. The rapid changes that occur in modern dentistry cannot all be accounted for and there will always be the missing clauses. Your teamwork and communication will reduce these, and help promote a more satisfactory, comfortable and less stressful work environment.