Registered Dental Hygienist

Position Type: Full-Time Permanent

Posting Type: This job posting is for a New vacancy

Closing Date: Open to FIlled

2026 Salary: $88,049 to $113,338

Location: Sioux Lookout, Ontario

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

The Oral Health Services Department is opening a four-operatory dental clinic in Sioux Lookout. The clinic features two dental operatories, one hygiene operatory, and one surgical operatory along with a recovery room. The clinic is equipped with digital charting/ radiography, panoramic/cephalometric x-ray, a laboratory, a sterilization room, and a staff room.

JOB SUMMARY

The Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), Clinical will assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate client care within their scope of practice. Perform all aspects of clinical preventative hygiene services and serve as an oral health educator and promoter. This position requires a commitment to establishing strong client relationships while maintaining ethical and professional behaviour. The RDH will deliver client specific treatments using active listening and empathy. 

The Registered Dental Hygienist, Clinical is directly accountable to the Manager – Oral Health Services.  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Persons of First Nations ancestry will be given preference (OHRC, Part II, Special Employment)


• Diploma or Degree from an accredited Dental Hygiene Program.


• License to practice in Ontario or ability to become licensed in Ontario.


• Member in good standing of the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO) or ability to become a member of the CDHO


• Proof of liability insurance.


• Obtain Medical Device Reprocessing certification as required.


• Two years of experience as a clinical hygienist is preferred but not required.


• Proof of valid First Aid, Basic Life Saver CPR with AED


• Experience working with dental practice management software, digital charting and radiography is an asset.


• Valid Class G Ontario Driver’s Licence is preferred.


• The ability to perform the requirements of the position on a regular basis.


• Work co-operatively and in a self-directed manner; manage a variety of clinical tasks to effectively support operations and treatment of clients.


• Communicate effectively (written and verbally) with clients, families, coworkers and allied health care partners.


• Knowledge, experience and understanding of Indigenous culture and issues relevant to delivery of health care in Indigenous communities in Canada.


• Ability to communicate in one of the Indigenous dialects within Keewaytinook is an asset.


• Familiarity with public health programs in our area, as well as NIHB and Jordan’s Principle.


• Adaptable to changes in workload or work environment

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Update and maintain comprehensive charting, dental and medical health histories.


• Conduct intra and extra-oral screenings, hard and soft tissue examinations and based on dental hygiene and dentist diagnosis, determine a care plan.


• Complete AAP periodontal assessments and provide non-surgical periodontal therapy.


• Perform the controlled acts of scaling and root planning using hand and ultrasonic instruments.


• Able to perform full scope of practice for a RDH in Ontario.


• Take radiographs as prescribed by the dentist and in accordance with HARP guidelines.


• Present oral health education, smoking cessation and nutritional education in a client specific manner


• Provide client and/or parents, guardians, escorts with instructions as needed regarding treatment and post treatment care.


• Consult with allied health care providers to facilitate meeting all client needs.


• Support the oral health team including administrative operations with client care


• Take part in audit process


• Work safely with dental materials, sharps and contaminated instruments/ needles, and where anesthetic gases are used.  


• Assist in reprocessing procedures, operatory maintenance and restock.


• Ensure equipment is kept in good working order, following manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and sterilization of instruments, hand pieces and equipment


• Follow, keep current and maintain documents relating to all Quality Assurance and IPAC guidelines


• Adhere to the SLFNHA Polices & Procedures Manual and the dental clinic Policy and Procedures Manual.


• Handling of sensitive, confidential data and personal health information in accordance with PHIPA and PIPEDA.


• Assesses emergency situations, be aware of emergency protocols and assist in monitoring emergency kit.


• Assist with dental laboratory procedures such as preparing dental models, lab requisites and packaging dentures and records for shipping as required.


• Other duties as assigned.

Working conditions:

• Work is typically performed during regular clinic hours, with occasional evening or weekend shifts as needed.


• The role requires the ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 20 lbs, including equipment, supplies, and client care materials.


• Must be comfortable working in close proximity to others and using personal protective equipment (PPE) as per infection control protocols.


• Exposure to bodily fluids, dental materials, and standard dental instruments is part of the daily work environment.


• Some travel or willingness to travel may be required.

Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority focuses on hiring Indigenous employees whenever possible.

Candidates are encouraged to self-identify on their application. Self-identification is voluntary and the information is used to assist SLFNHA in hiring Indigenous people from the region whenever possible and to support candidates in their application.

We offer competitive and comprehensive employment benefits to Full-Time employees:

·       Pension plan

·       Fitness reimbursement program

·       Comprehensive insurance coverage

·       Professional development opportunities

·       Relocation assistance