Dental Hygienist, School-Based Health Center

We are recruiting for a motivated Dental Hygienist, School-Based Health Center to join our team!

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Department

Job Summary

Under indirect or no supervision (direct access care), performs dental hygiene services for the care and treatment of patients in the School-Based health centers. This may include an assessment and diagnosis of oral diseases and treatment plan within the scope of practice of a Licensed Dental Hygienist in Colorado to complete preventative prophylaxis cleanings, periodontal maintenance treatment, non-surgical periodontal therapy, oral hygiene instruction, fluoride application and placement of dental sealants.

Prescribes therapeutic agents within their scope according to the state practice act, with collaboration of an attending dentist. Under indirect supervision, administers injectable local anesthetic when indicated, application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) (with certification) and with certification and a permit from the state, can apply Interim Therapeutic Restorations (ITR). The dental hygienist will also be responsible for completing medical and dental histories, taking necessary radiographs according to ALARA principles, taking vital signs when indicated and ensuring the patient's periodontal and dental exams are up to date.

Essential Functions
:

• Patient Care:
  Performs dental hygiene assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning for dental hygiene services. Identifies dental abnormalities for immediate referral to a Denver Health (DH) community health clinic (CHC) dentist. Provides preventive measures including prophylactic cleaning, the application of fluoride and dental sealants. Take digital images for diagnosis and identifying dental abnormalities and for referral to a DH-CHC dentist. Administers topical and injectable local anesthetic as needed.
  
  Interviews patients/guardians to obtain medical and dental history and hard charts all existing dental restorations and suspected conditions. Completes a comprehensive periodontal assessment whenever indicated by oral conditions or as necessitated to properly diagnose for the dental hygiene treatment plan. Takes intraoral images for documentation, patient education and for referral to a DH-CHC dentist. Complete Caries Risk Assessment for all patients.
  (75%)
• Administrative Duties:
  Completes patient care notes within 72 hours of registration. Assists with sterile processing preparation. Completes daily maintenance of portable dental units. (20%)
• May be asked to fill-in at the dental sealant program, in the community dental clinics or in the Medical-Dental Integration programs. (5%)

Education
:

• Associate's Degree Dental Hygiene Required

Work Experience
:

• 4-6 years Direct clinical practice Required or
• 1-3 years In a medical-dental integrated or school-based dental setting Required

Licenses
:

• Dental Hygienist - DORA - Department of Regulatory Agencies Required and
• BLS-Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) - AHA - American Heart Association Required and
• LOCAL-Local Anesthesia - State Board of Dentistry Required
• ITR-Interim Therapeutic Restorations Permit - AAPD - American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Required

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

:

• Knowledge of dental hygiene procedures and techniques sufficient to be able to perform the full scope of preventive dental hygiene services, including dental hygiene diagnosis of dental disease, oral health screenings, oral cancer screening, oral-systemic health education, fluoride treatment, dental sealants, prophylactic cleanings, and NSPT, (scaling and root planning).
• Critical thinking skills for determining when appropriate referrals are needed to dental specialists, medical care and/or behavioral healthcare.
• Knowlege of trauma informed care practices willingness to provide equitable care in a system that provides LGBTQ+ affirming and culturally diverse healthcare.
• Knowlege of motivational interviewing practices and ability to have effective…