Registered Dental Hygienist

Position Summary

The Registered Dental Hygienist provides intermediate-level and recall services to Pit River Health Service patients. The RDH delivers preventative dental care, plans and implements programs with the Dentist, teaches dental health education, and promotes fluoride use in communities. Required knowledge includes oral hygiene, child and adult dental hygiene, periodontal procedures, and public health/socioeconomic factors affecting overall and oral health. The RDH collaborates creatively with other health‑care professionals to achieve program effectiveness.

Records patient‑hygienist interactions in the EMR (Electronic Medical Records) to reflect the contact, patient condition, and care provided. Complete chart notes and procedures are entered in the Dentrix EMR.

Location:

XL Clinic in Alturas.

• Review and update medical histories with patients and discuss findings with the Dentist.
• Provide clinical oral hygiene services including dental prophylaxis, scaling, and minor periodontal procedures consistent with accepted professional practices and standards, and in compliance with applicable California law and Dental Department policies.
• Perform sealant procedures for children and adolescents.
• Conduct cursory exams for caries risk assessment, gross caries, defective restorations, oral cancer, etc., and review findings with the DDS during the exam.
• Assist in coordinating proper dental care scheduled by the Dental Receptionist.
• 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 periodontal disease.
• Perform topical and local anesthetic procedures for periodontal services under direct supervision.
• Review treatment plans, determine subsequent procedures in consultation with the Dentist, and refer the patient to schedule her or his next appointment.
• Follow all sterile techniques required by 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 considering budget.
• Perform radiographic procedures on all PRHS patients at appropriate recall intervals as designated by the dentist.
• Conduct duties while maintaining a professional attitude and appearance.
• Carry out other duties and become cross‑trained where needed.
• Organize and implement community outreach and school programs to promote dental health, fluoride, and sealant initiatives.

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