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The Dental Hygienist provides comprehensive preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene services to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native beneficiaries. Working under the general supervision of a licensed dentist, the hygienist supports the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model and helps meet clinical performance indicators.
$110,000 - $115,000 a year
Location: Taos-Picuris Health Center, Taos, NM
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Services
- Perform dental prophylaxis, scaling and root planning, oral debridement, and periodontal assessments.
- Conduct oral cancer screenings and perform radiographic procedures.
- Apply topical fluorides, pit and fissure sealants, and other preventive agents.
- Administer local anesthesia and deliver locally delivered antimicrobials.
- Identify and chart conditions of decay and periodontal disease.
- Fabricate temporary restorations and clean/polish removable dental appliances.
- Assist with dental and medical emergencies within the scope of practice.
Patient Care and Education
- Prepare treatment rooms and patients according to established protocols.
- Provide oral hygiene instruction, plaque control guidance, and post-treatment instructions to patients.
- Respond to patient questions and concerns professionally.
Documentation and Administrative Support
- Document all patient encounters in the IHS Dentrix system on the date of service.
- Maintain strict patient confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and the Privacy Act.
- Ensure all chart deficiencies are completed within 24 hours of notification.
- Maintain dental instruments through proper cleaning, sterilization, and sharpening.
- Monitor and conserve dental supplies and equipment.
Minimum Qualifications
- Education: Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited institution.
- Licensure: Current, active, and unrestricted Dental Hygienist license from any U.S. state or territory.
- Experience: At least three (3) years of dental hygiene experience, including work with both adult and pediatric populations.
- Certifications:
o Current radiography (X-ray) certification.
o Authorization to administer local anesthetics (if applicable by state law).
o Current Basic Life Support (BLS)
Compliance and Requirements
- Background Check: Must successfully complete a background investigation, including e-QIP, Indian Child Protection Act (P.L. 101-630), and character investigations.
- Training: Must complete Information Systems Security Awareness (ISSA), HIPAA, and Privacy Act training
- Citizenship: Must be US Citizen
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