Dental Hygienist- Dental Department and School Based Health Centers

Job Description

Fair Haven Community Health Care

FHCHC is a forward-thinking, dynamic, and exciting community health center that provides care for multiple generations at nearly 140,000 office visits in 19 locations. Overseen by a Board of Directors, the majority of whom are patients themselves, we are proud to offer a wide range of primary and specialty care services, as well as evidence-based patient programs to educate patients in healthy lifestyle choices.

As we grow and are able to bring high-quality health care to more areas that need access, we continue to put our patients first in everything we do. The mission of FHCHC is “To improve the health and social well-being of the communities we serve through equitable, high quality, patient-centered care that is culturally responsive.”

For over 50 years, we have been a health care leader in our community focused on providing excellent, affordable primary care to all patients, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Fair Haven is proud to have a diverse and motivated team of professionals who are constantly seeking ways to enhance and improve the health and well-being of all patients.

We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality medical and dental care, regardless of ability to pay.

Job purpose

To provide preventative dental care to school-aged children in grades K-8 while at the school based health centers and to patients of all ages while in the dental clinic.

This position follows the ten-month school year with the hygienist also providing service in the dental suite at specific times.

Duties and responsibilities

The Dental Hygienist will work with portable dental equipment when in the designated school based health centers.

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Providing oral hygiene services including dental prophylaxis, sealant application, fluoride application, x-rays and referrals.
• Obtaining an oral health assessment for each child as mandated by the state.
• Providing oral health education to students, their families and the community at large.
• Providing detailed documentation of all pertinent patient demographic information.
• Being responsible for the set-up, care and maintenance of portable dental equipment.
• Adhering to all departmental policies and procedures
• Complying to and implementing all infection control guidelines.
• Supporting operational and quality improvement initiatives as assigned
• Maintaining a positive working environment among peers and all school faculty.
• Completing other tasks and duties as assigned by the Dental Health Program Manager and/or Dental Director.
• Completing all required organizational trainings in a timely fashion.

Qualifications

Certificates / Licensures / Registrations

• Graduate of an accredited Dental Hygiene Program
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Maintains current CT registered dental hygiene license
• Dental hygiene local anesthesia certificate preferred
• Current CPR certification
• Two years of experience as a dental hygienist and DSS calibration training required
• Familiarity with dental billing and coding procedures
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, leadership, management, and team building skills, both written and oral
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
• Experience in providing direct oral health care in a school-based system preferred

Competencies

• Knowledge of HER
• Proficiency in sterilization of instruments and handpieces
• Aptitude in maintenance and cleaning of the dental operation room and the autoclave

Direction of Others

• None

OSHA Status

Category I—Increased Risk Position

Potential exposure to hazardous waste and blood borne pathogens, clinical settings

Physical requirements

Physical Demands:
Requires walking, bending, sitting, standing, writing, reading, telephone use, data input into computer, pulling medical records, Mental Demands:
Ability to cope with continual changing priorities under potentially stressful conditions. Manual Dexterity

Required:

Ability to use a keyboard, telephone.

American with Disabilities Requirements:

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job specific functions (listed within each job specific responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case by case basis.

Fair Haven Community Health Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer. FHCHC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.