Expanded Practice Dental Hygienist - Fernhill Clinic

We seek leaders, achievers and doers who bring skill and passion to a challenging and evolving environment. At the  we are all inspired by the mission:
We work with communities to advance health equity, protect the most vulnerable, and prompt health and wellness for everyone and we uphold the values:
Compassion and Care, Empowerment, Racial Equity, Creativity and Integrity. We create a culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse population we serve in our communities. We’re seeking a visionary and dynamic leader who is creative in problem solving and contributes new ideas and solutions to the organization to join our team in   
* Provide clinical dental hygiene services, including prophylaxis, debridement, scaling and root planning, complete periodontal charting and periodontal treatment, as well as administer topical and local anesthetic, expose and mount dental radiographs, place dental sealants, apply fluoride varnish, evaluate and record blood pressure, review and sign paper medical history and proper chart documentation.  
* Address dental anxiety according to patients’ needs including but not limited to the administration of nitrous oxide when appropriate.
* Educate patients on preventive dental actions that improve dental and overall health of patient, to include practical and physical demonstration of best brushing and cleaning methods, new techniques or products that help for better cleaning and maintenance of teeth and mouth health, and provide written materials as an avenue to reinforce best oral health techniques.  
* Demonstrate and teach oral hygiene methods and develop individual prevention plan for each client that considers the patient’s physical, mental and emotional skills and/or limitations. Prescribe fluoride and antimicrobial solutions.  
* Provide triage for emergencies to improve patient flow and respond to emergency situations of patients in clinic or presenting for services.
* Consult with dentists for patient care and complex medical history or in-person needs.  
* Consult for referrals for specialized care or services beyond those provided in clinics or at another County location. Coordinate with Dental Scheduler on needed treatment and scheduling of appointment(s), etc.
* Dental hygienists may provide guidance to dental/hygiene students.  
* Meet productivity goals to maintain patient access and the fiscal sustainability of the dental program, and monitor work accordingly.  
* Plan patient care processes, time for education and answering of patient questions, charting and other documentation requirements, confer with dentists and other team members for needed patient follow-up or unusual situations, and other team functions as needed.  
* Track and report on patient and service demographics, participate in team or committee meetings for service planning, improvements or changes needed to provide dental services based on changing demand, culture, etc.  
* Exhibit teamwork and work in a culturally sensitive fashion with regards to all. Follow direction from supervisors, including Program Supervisors, Dental Program Manager, Dental Senior Manager, Dental Director, and Deputy Dental Director in capacity as a provider, and clinical leader in order to foster teamwork, collegiality, and respect for co-workers and clients. Dentists may direct hygienists to register radiographs, diagnose periodontal conditions, review patient’s health history and other work as listed in the Oregon Dental Practice Act.

* Provide indirect supervision of Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDA’s) which includes, but is not limited to:
Requesting EFDA’s to assist with periodontal charting, taking radiographs, sterilizing instruments, and other duties as expected of an EFDA as it relates to your role as a provider.  
* As a clinical leader dental hygienists must relate to other employees in a courteous, respectful and professional manner with the goal of creating a work culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse populations the Health Department serves in the clinic and in the community. Every employee shares the responsibility for promptly bringing to…