Registered Dental Hygienist

Position Summary:

The Registered Dental Hygienist provides an intermediate level of services and recall services to the Pit River Health Service patients of record. An RDH will provide preventive dental care to PRHS patients and plan and implement programs with the Dentist. An RDH will teach dental health education and promote the use of fluoride in our communities.

Requires a comprehensive knowledge of oral hygiene care in outpatient settings. Knowledge of the principles and practice of child and adult dental hygiene and periodontal procedures is necessary. The Registered Dental Hygienist must be aware of the public health, social and economic factors which impact the overall health, and more specifically the oral health of their patients. The Registered Dental Hygienist must be able to creatively work with other health‑care professionals from a variety of disciplines to achieve program effectiveness.

Records in the EMR (Electronic Medical Records) the patient–hygienist transactions as they occur 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. Complete chart notes are entered and procedures are completed in the Dentrix EMR. LOCATION IS AT XL CLINIC IN ALTURAS.

• Review and update medical histories with the patients and be able to discuss findings with the dentist.
• Provide clinical oral hygiene services including dental prophylaxis, scaling, minor periodontal procedures consistent with accepted professional practices and standards and in compliance with applicable California law and the Dental Department policies.
• Perform sealant procedures for children and adolescents.
• Perform cursory exams for such things as caries risk assessment, gross caries, defective restorations, oral cancer, etc., to review with the DDS during the exam.
• Assist to coordinate proper dental care scheduled by the Dental Receptionist.
• Work to maintain the hygiene recall and patient schedule through the Dentrix Computer program.
• Print and send patient reminder postcards.
• Perform periodontal screening on all adult patients and implement the dentist‑diagnosed treatment plan to treat the periodontal disease.
• Perform under direct supervision topical and local anesthetic procedures for periodontal services.
• Review and discuss the treatment plan, determine what procedure is indicated next by conferring with the dentist, and refer the patient to schedule their next appointment.
• Be able to follow all sterile techniques required by the CDC and OSHA guidelines for dental offices either in the operatory or in the sterilization area.
• Track hygiene supplies in the storeroom, and coordinate ordering with the assigned RDA.
• Stock and organize the hygiene operatory.
• Sharpen and maintain hygiene instruments, and discuss replacement needs with the Chief Dental Officer in consideration of budget.
• Perform radiographic procedures on all PRHS patients at appropriate recall intervals as designated by the dentist.
• Perform the above duties while maintaining a professional attitude and appearance.
• The RDH performs other duties and becomes cross‑trained where needed.
• Organize and implement community outreach programs and school programs to promote dental health along with fluoride and sealant programs.

• Graduate of a Dental Hygiene Program from an accredited U.S. Dental Hygiene School with an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene.
• Registered Dental Hygienist California License.
• One (1) year experience in private practice or public health clinic preferred.
• Alternative practice certification preferred in order to perform soft tissue curettage and administer anesthesia without a doctor present.
• Possess a current CPR card.
• Follow verbal and written instructions accurately.
• Write legibly with good grammar either oral or written.
• Preference will be given to Native Americans in accordance with the P.L. 93‑638.
• Must be willing to submit to and pass a pre-employment drug screening test.