Dental Hygienist

Description

Working under the direct supervision of the Hygiene Department Supervisor, the Registered Dental Hygienist is responsible for the direct provision of oral hygiene and appropriate preventative services to dental patients of the center. The Registered Dental Hygienist is also responsible for providing appropriate oral health information to individuals. 

This position is scheduled for 30 hours per week. 

Representative Duties:

Provides high quality clinical services to patients of Fenway Health’s Dentistry Department

• Assists in the oral health management of all clinic patients 
• Obtains baseline oral hygiene assessment data based upon accepted principles of oral hygiene and periodontal care 
• Provides oral health education and appropriate individual counseling for all center dental patients 
• Provides clinical oral hygiene services including dental prophylaxis, scaling, local anesthetic, sealant application and fluoride (varnish/SDF) applications consistent with accepted professional practices and standards and in compliance with applicable state law and the center’s clinical protocols  
• Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by a dentist in accordance with state regulations and law as well as Dental Department protocol and directive 
• Assists with various other clinical functions of the Dentistry Department as appropriate and if time permits 

Performs non-Clinical Activities related to patient care

• Records patient-hygienist transactions as they occur in the patient’s dental record so that the dental record accurately and completely reflects the nature of the contact, the condition of the patient and the care or treatment provided 
• Integration of appropriate patient dental hygiene care with other health care professionals involved in the patient’s health care management  
• Assists in the maintenance of all Dental Department areas in compliance with Dental Department directive and policies as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues  
• Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business and patient care of the Dental Department 
• Assists with various other non-clinical functions of the Dentistry Department as appropriate and if time permits 
•  Insures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Dental Department directive and center policy as well as state federal regulations(s) 
• Complies in full with the center’s Exposure Control Plan 
• Travels when necessary to meet operational needs 
• As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives 
• Responsible for personal compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and center rules, regulations, protocols and procedures governing the practice of dental hygiene and the clinical provision of dental hygiene services as well as those relating to, but not limited to, personnel issues, work place safety, public health and confidentiality 

Meets agency participatory expectation

• Adheres to all agency and departmental policies and procedures 
• Participates in quality assessment and improvement activities as requested 
• Adheres to the highest principles of patient and client confidentiality 
• Adheres to established safety policies, procedures and precautions; identifies potential or actual unsafe situations in the environment and takes measures to rectify the situation 
• Attends all required meetings, in-services and professional trainings 
• Maintains professional competence necessary to perform job responsibilities; maintains and provides agency with records of continuing education activities 
• Serves on agency committees and in professional organizations when requested 

Performs other related job duties as required.

Requirements

Education/Licensure Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited School of Dental Hygiene 
• Unrestricted license to practice Dental Hygiene in the State of Massachusetts 
• Current CPR (BLS) Certification 
• Local anesthesia certification 

Knowledge, Skill and Technical Qualities

• Working knowledge of all phases of the field of the dental hygiene 
• Skill in the techniques of oral hygiene procedures and the use of equipment, instruments, and materials 
• Knowledge and practice of preventive dentistry and ability to instruct patients 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients and staff 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills  
• Experience working in an ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse environment preferred  
• Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with colleagues, patients, clients and vendors across the spectrum of diversity, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, national origin and immigrant status, religious or spiritual identity, disability (physical, mental, emotional and developmental), veteran status, and/or limited English proficiency.
• Willingness to contribute towards Fenway’s efforts in becoming an anti-racist organization and promoting a culture dedicated to ongoing development in service of humility, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, where differences are acknowledged and valued.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, unpleasant odors and/or loud noises
• Moderate physical activity Requires handling average-weight objects up to 15-20 pounds, assisting with patients and standing and/or walking for most the day
• Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and will require OSHA training
• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment 

We offer competitive salaries, and for those who qualify, an excellent benefits package; including comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans, and a retirement plan with employer match. We also provide 12 paid holidays, paid vacation, and more.

LGBTQIA+ identified persons, Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC), and individuals from other historically underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

This is a union position in a Fenway Health bargaining unit represented by 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.