Public Health Dental Hygienist

Public Health Dental Hygienist

Schedule:

Full-Time - 40 hours/week

Reports To:

Dental Director

Location:

All Health Centers

Heartland Alliance Health's mission is to transform healthcare for the most vulnerable – particularly people experiencing homelessness, mental illness or addictions, or struggling with multiple chronic illnesses – improving health for all and the well-being of our community.

The Dental Hygienist, under differing levels of supervision, will provide dental health care services that include cleaning, polishing, and providing preventative instructions and treatments. The Dental Hygienist may also provide chairside assistance as needed. Individual accountabilities and work volume will be established through the development of annual Success Objectives and annual Performance Evaluations, within the framework outlined below.

• Perform duties under "general supervision" which requires a previous exam within 12 months by a treating dentist but does not require the dentist to be present within the facility or location of care including, but not limited to:
• Oral Prophylaxis (dental cleaning)
• Application of Fluoride
• Placement of Sealants
• Placement of SDF
• Exposure and processing of x-rays to teeth and surrounding structures

Any Procedures performed by a Dental Assistant

• Perform the following duties under "supervision" requiring the dentist to be present within the facility or location of care including, but not limited to:

i. Administration of Local Anesthetic*

* Only upon successful completion of a training program approved by the licensing body

• Provide coordinated and continuous primary dental care to clients that spans the health continuum by mutual goal setting and planning delivery of care
• Provide dental health teaching and counseling that provides a therapeutic and caring relationship
• Collaborate with other multi-disciplinary professionals and community agencies to provide high quality care
• Coordinate services in conjunction with other team members to meet clients primary dental health care needs and to ensure the continuity of care
• Participate in quality assurance activities through protocol development and collaborative peer review by: assisting in join practice protocol development and identifying indicators for quality care; developing join practice protocols and identifying appropriate evaluative criteria, evaluating clinical standards of care based on the quality assurance process; implements recommended changes and/or improvements to guarantee quality of care based on the evaluation process
• Assumes the responsibility for professional development and contributes to the professional growth of others by: developing in-depth knowledge of daily program operations, policies and procedures; acting as a preceptor in the orientation of new dental care personnel, interns and volunteers; serving as a consultant in specialized populations to other dental care providers and community agencies.
• Review patient's medical and dental history and identify any immediate or urgent needs
• Discuss with patient oral hygiene instructions that includes an obtainable plan for the patient's needs. Identify obstacles and teach patients how to prevent dental disease. Dispense proper oral hygiene aids
• Maintain patient dental charts, including periodontal charting and proper documentation
• Take acceptable radiographs when necessary
• Stock required supplies and maintain equipment
• Work in coordination with the management to develop and implement a quality assurance program
• Demonstrate proficient skills in dental prophylaxis and proper use of equipment.
• May need to support dental assistant as needed
• Adheres to professional standards as outlined by governmental bodies, the ADA, the ADHA, private funding sources, Agency plans/policies and unit guidelines. Must keep license.
• Promote the development of clinical policies and data collection
• Other duties as assigned or required

The Dental Hygienist may provide supervisory guidance and direction in the following areas:
Acts as a preceptor and provides onboarding, orientation, and training to new dental personnel, dental…