Dental Hygienist

Committed to Our Community in the Heart of the Redwoods. Removing Barriers to Healthcare Access

DNCHC Del Norte Community Health Center

Position is for .75 FTE, Benefited - three 10 hours shifts per week. Days of the week are negotiable.

SUMMARY: Under supervision the Dental Hygienist provides education and dental hygiene to adults and children and engages patients as a partner in preventing dental disease and maintaining wellness in oral health.

Compensation Range:

$86,528.00-$99,403.20

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This position complies with the duties of a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) as defined by the present by-laws of the Dental Hygiene Board of California
• Evaluates overall oral health.
• Exposes and processes x-ray film
• Notes areas of concern, document and communicate with dentist of situation.
• Examines gums for signs of disease
• Performs oral cancer screening including extra-oral and intra-oral locations to detect swelling/tenderness of lymph nodes or irregular tissue formations.
• Cleans calculus deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth
• Adheres to established safety and health protocols
• Place Sealants
• Anesthetize Patients with local anesthetic
• Dental hygiene assessment, development, planning and implementation of a dental hygiene care plan.
• Oral health education, counseling and health screenings.
• Communicates recommendations that are consistent with each patient’s needs and abilities.
• Works closely with dentists and other health care professionals to provide quality patient care.
• Other duties and responsibilities as designated by supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS: The successful candidate will possess experience and skills spanning a variety areas:
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish constructive professional working relationships among a diverse workforce.
• Ability to work as a member of a team and independently as needed.
• Communicate effectively with patients as educator and advocate; partnering with dentist to support evidence-based dentistry.
• Ability to handle difficult or confrontational situations in a calm, consistent, and equitable manner.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to effectively represent ODCHC’s interests in the community and maintain effective working relationships among co-workers, public, private, and professional groups.
• Strong computer skills with specific aptitude in Microsoft Office Suite and/or Electronic Medical Records (EMR).
• Adheres to ODCHC’s policies and procedures.
EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE:
• High school diploma or GED.
• Graduate of a board approved and accredited Dental Hygiene program.
• Two years of experience in a similar role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
• Maintain Registered Dental Hygiene licensure throughout employment.
• Current CPR certification.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None.
SUPERVISION AND SUPPORT: The Dental Hygienist reports directly to the Vice President of Dental Services and/or the Site Dental Director. The Dental Hygienist is an integral part of the Dental Care Team.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical requirements described are representative of those needed to successfully perform the essential duties of the position. Reasonable accommodation will be made to allow otherwise qualified candidates to perform these functions.
• Speaking and hearing sufficient to communicate effectively by phone or in person, at normal volumes.
• Vision adequate to read correspondence, computer screen, forms, etc.
• Good manual dexterity.
• Ability to move around offices and clinics as needed.
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods of time.