Public Health Dental Hygienist

Important Information:

We are focused on finding the right person for our team and are open to flexibility in hours. The role may be structured as part-time (minimum of two days per week) or full-time, depending on the candidate’s availability and interest. This position provides services in community-based settings outside of traditional dental offices, including long-term care facilities, schools, preschools, and other public health locations across PPHD’s 12-county region, utilizing mobile clinic and portable dental equipment.

All positions at Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD) support the mission of “Working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle.” This position will support the implementation of PPHD strategic plan objectives through collaboration with partners and the community, a commitment to Community Health Improvement, dedication to implementing evidence-based practices, and implementation of the standards and measures of PHAB accreditation.

The Public Health Dental Hygienist works closely with partners and communities to increase access to preventive oral health services and reduce barriers to care. This position provides services in community-based settings outside of traditional dental offices, including long-term care facilities, schools, preschools, and other public health locations across PPHD’s 12-county region, utilizing mobile clinic and portable dental equipment. The role works independently within the scope of a Nebraska Public Health-authorized Dental Hygienist.

• Perform preventive dental services for the PPHD Dental Health Program and work within the scope of a Public Health authorized Dental Hygienist in Nebraska
• Provide education on dental disease to children, adults, and caregivers
• Collaborate on the implementation of the mobile dental services and school-based dental health program
• Comply with all reporting requirements
• Actively participate in Performance Management and Quality Improvement activities
• Participates in PPHD and community emergency response training and drills in support of public health emergency and disaster preparedness consistent with job functions.
• Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development by pursuing education, participating in professional committees and work groups, and contributing to a work environment where continual improvements in practice are pursued.
• Maintain current licensures to practice public health dental hygiene in Nebraska
• Contribute to implementation of PPHD Strategic
• Contribute to the development of program goals and
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Follow and adhere to all HIPAA and PPHD confidentiality and privacy policies and
• Comply with all PPHD personnel policies and procedures

Treats others with courtesy and respect in all interactions and abides by PPHD’s Guiding Principles.

• Registered Dental Hygiene License with Public Health Authorization, and experience in public health preferred.
• Exceptional writing and interpersonal communication skills, computer skills, and demonstrated cultural competence are essential.
• Valid driver’s license, current certificate of vehicle insurance, and access to reliable transportation to all assigned work locations.

This position will require the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Apply the principles, practices and theories of public health assessment and planning to health promotion, policy development, and health
• Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with individuals and groups from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, and experiences.
• An energetic self-starter who can function comfortably in a team environment and independently and relates well to the public.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication
• Delivery of services and education in a culturally sensitive
• Effective presentation of data to address scientific, political, ethical, and social public health issues.
• Flexibility and the ability to manage time and multiple tasks with little
• Program planning, implementation, and
• Demonstrate ability to facilitate processes with diverse
• Computer

General office setting in the PPHD office sites, as well as community sites. Equipment used to perform functions is computer, fax, copier, personal or PPHD vehicle, and public health equipment and supplies. This job may encompass moderate lifting, standing, walking, being seated for periods of time, possible overtime, driving, some overnight travel, and infrequently working nights and weekends.