Dental Hygienist

Job Summary: A community health center hygienist goes beyond traditional clinical duties by focusing on preventive care, education, and public health initiatives, impacting underserved populations.

* Loan Repayment Program = up to $50K loan repayment with a 2-year commitment for both Dentists and Hygienists.

• Conduct oral health assessments, including periodontal charting, cancer screenings, and caries risk assessments.
• Perform dental cleanings (prophylaxis), scaling, and root planning for periodontal patients.
• Administer fluoride treatments and apply sealants to prevent decay, especially in children.
• Take, develop, and interpret dental radiographs (X-rays).
• Screen for systemic diseases with oral manifestations (e.g., diabetes, HIV/AIDS, nutritional deficiencies).
• Assist in triaging dental emergencies and referring patients to dentists for further care.
• Educate and counsel patients on proper oral hygiene practices.
• Participate, organize, and collaborate with schools and public health agencies to identify and address oral health disparities in the community.
• Work closely with dentists, physicians, social workers, and nutritionists to provide holistic patient care.
• Responsible for administrative duties involving patient records, sending out referrals and prior authorizations, and assisting the Dental Coordinator with grant writing details and applications.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, and infection control protocols.
• Job Duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task efficiently.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent computer and typing skills.
• Must be able to work well with a diverse population of persons and individuals with low income.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Current licensure as a Dental Hygienist in the State of Iowa.
• Professional dental hygiene experience in public health services is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to stand for long periods of time.
• Manual Dexterity

Full-time employees (minimum of 30 hours) are eligible for all benefits.

Part-time employees are eligible for everything listed, excluding:
Health/Dental/Vision/Loan Repayment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Possible exposure to airborne and blood borne pathogens & hazardous materials.

All Promise facilities are smoke free environments.

EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES:
Promise is an Equal Opportunity Institution and does not discriminate against any person in employment, admission, treatment, or participation in its programs and benefits on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, ability to speak English, disability, sex, age, or marital status. Persons alleging unequal treatment should contact the Chief Executive Officer.