Public Health Dental Hygienist

Job Summary

The Greenup County Health Department seeks a Public Health Dental Hygienist to provide primary preventive oral health services to underserved populations across Greenup, Boyd, and Carter Counties through a mobile, community-based delivery model. The role collaborates with schools, Head Start centers, long-term care facilities, and community partners to increase access to preventive oral health services for children, older adults, and low‑income residents of rural Appalachian communities.

• Provides primary preventive oral health services to populations identified by the local health department in accordance with Kentucky regulations and public health protocols.
• Delivers preventive dental services directly within community‑based settings such as schools, Head Start centers, long-term care facilities, and other approved sites.
• Performs oral health assessments and screenings.
• Provides oral health education and counseling to individuals, families, caregivers, and community groups.
• Applies fluoride varnish, dental sealants, and performs other preventive procedures permitted under Kentucky law.
• Identifies and refers individuals requiring restorative or emergency dental care to appropriate providers.
• Assists in addressing barriers to oral health care, including transportation limitations, provider shortages, and socioeconomic challenges affecting rural populations.
• Maintains accurate records, documentation, and reports as required by local, state, and federal guidelines.
• Coordinates with community partners to plan and implement school‑based and community outreach programs.
• Participates in health fairs, educational programs, and public health initiatives to promote oral health awareness.
• Assists with grant‑related activities, data collection, program evaluation, and quality improvement efforts.
• Maintains supplies and equipment necessary for mobile and site‑based service delivery.
• Complies with all infection control standards, HIPAA regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Health Department administration.

• Registered Dental Hygienist licensure and certification as a Public Health Registered Dental Hygienist (required within the term of the contract).
• Must provide evidence of certification before performing any preventive dental service.

• Starting salary: $35.00 per hour.
• Six‑month probationary period; 5% salary increment after successful review.
• Full‑time position: 37.5 hours per week, 26 bi‑weekly pay periods (1,950 hours per year).
• Benefits include retirement, vacation, sick leave, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and life insurance as defined by the Department for Public Health Personnel Regulations.
• Other benefits may be offered at the discretion of the Greenup County Board of Health.

Work is mainly performed in clinics, schools, or community settings with occasional external events. The employee must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. of dental equipment.

Questions about this position may be directed to Jackie Applegate legate.

Apply at  All completed applications must be submitted by 4:30pm on Tuesday, June
30,2026.

Equal Opportunity Employer.