Dental Hygienist

This position is a covered position under the Coquille Indian Tribe Chapter 185 – Child Protection Ordinance.

All candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen, criminal background check, and character background check.

Under the direct supervision of the Dental Director or equivalent, the Dental Hygienist renders educational, preventive, and therapeutic dental services, including diagnosis and treatment planning for such services.

• Coordinates with the dental team to evaluate, diagnose and provide treatment for active disease states in the oral cavity; prepares treatment plans for dental hygiene services, including periodontal probing.
• Upon referral from the dentist or dental therapist, examines patients’ teeth and surrounding tissues to determine extent of abnormal conditions requiring treatment.
• Records and evaluates each patient’s medical and dental history to identify systemic conditions that may alter standard treatment.
• Performs oral prophylaxis and provides therapeutic care for acute gingivitis and periodontal disease using scalers, ultrasonic equipment, and related instruments.
• Organizes treatment time efficiently for each patient and works cooperatively with dental team staff.
• Under the direction and supervision of the Dentist, performs deep scaling, root planing, and subgingival curettage; determines and applies appropriate sealants or fluoride.
• Administers local anesthesia.
• Provides oral hygiene instruction for patients, using demonstrations and audiovisual aids when needed for special oral needs.
• Takes, develops, and interprets intraoral and extraoral radiographs to determine calculus deposits and periodontal involvement.
• Uses radiographs in patient education and motivation.
• Maintains proper infection control procedures during preparation and cleanup for patient treatment.
• Completes chart notes efficiently and on time, with correct coding and provider information.
• Screens patients, including conducting mouth and neck examinations and reviewing oral health history.
• Manages opening and closing dental clinic tasks.
• Maintains inventory lists and electronic binder; orders new materials and supplies; receives and organizes supplies.
• Implements and updates task management system; assists with maintenance of electronic dental records.
• Maintains equipment and ensures proper functioning.
• Participates in writing, reviewing, and updating dental clinic operating procedures.
• Manages, organizes, and implements home care station for the dental clinic.
• Manages clinic maintenance tasks, including testing and sterilization.
• Adheres to all KWC and dental policies and procedures.
• Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Attends required meetings.
• Performs all functions delegable to dental assistants and expanded function dental assistants when appropriately trained.
• Participates in the patient recall system.
• Develops, implements, and assesses a comprehensive dental hygiene program for eligible and non-eligible beneficiaries; supports Tribal-specific programs such as sealant clinics and Head Start activities.
• Identifies and pursuits professional growth and career development opportunities for self and staff.
• Exercises judgment in selecting and adapting appropriate techniques, procedures, and materials for each patient; refers situations requiring significant deviation to the dentist.
• Coordinates, develops, and facilitates dental prevention programs, including outreach opportunities.
• Maintains a clean, sterile environment, ensuring instruments and equipment meet weekly and monthly housekeeping requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

This description reflects the general duties of the role but is not intended to detail all responsibilities.

Work is performed in a dental office setting and requires:

• Clear oral communication.
• Repetitive wrist, hand, and finger movements.
• Standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods.
• Raising or lowering objects; ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Exposure to hazardous materials, excessive noise, high-risk situations, infectious diseases,…