Dental Hygienist

Provides clinical best practice and direct dental services by performing duties such as:

• Performing dental health surveys, screenings, referrals, counseling and follow-up for individuals in community dental services;
• Providing self-applied or other preventative materials, such as fluoride varnish, within BCCOHP bylaws;
• Refers clients to see a dentist for examinations and assessments as per BCCOHP practice standards;
• Teaching dental health and conducting demonstrations in community settings;
• Developing and coordinating interdisciplinary workshops; and
• Acting as a resource for dental information to members of the community and other IH health professionals/staff.

Delivers programs in accordance with established policies, procedures and guidelines by performing duties such as:

• Responsible for providing and coordinating dental services in the assigned areas;
• Developing strategies for targeted populations to meet their dental health needs utilizing community development and health promotion models in collaboration with designated personnel.
• Representing dental services on local and regional committees, as required/directed;
• Compiling and analyzing dental data for the purpose of monitoring and evaluation;
• Preparing quarterly, annual and other reports as required/directed;
• Providing input to budget process by identifying needs and making recommendations; and
• Identifying the potential for participating in research projects and surveys.

Coordinates and collaborates with Inter‑agency programs in the community related to the dental program, in consultation with leadership.

Identifies, promotes and supports opportunities for interdisciplinary practice by liaising with other public health staff, other health care sectors and community partners.

Participates on committees to promote optimal support for clients, to facilitate the resolution of issues, and to advocate for the goals and objectives of the team/program.

Participates in approved research and special projects in collaboration with designated personnel/team and other health care professionals, through methods such as collecting data, summarizing information, and/or providing verbal updates for review and further analysis by principal researcher, research team and/or project coordinator.

Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement initiatives as directed and provides input into the formulation, implementation and evaluation of process and quality improvements to align with accreditation standards. Contributes to the development and revision of standards of care, policies, and procedures; participates in the resolution of issues; and advocates for improvements in clinical practice and health care that promote optimal support for clients.

Applies an evidence‑based approach to clinical problem‑solving through methods such as reviewing relevant literature/resources and applying approved research findings in clinical practice to support the research culture of the organization. Evaluates results in collaboration with interdisciplinary team.

Maintains and updates own clinical knowledge within area of practice and develops a plan in collaboration with designated personnel/team for professional development. Reviews progress to ensure that goals are achieved within established time frames.

Maintains the clinical equipment and instruments associated with the delivery of dental hygiene methods such as checking equipment is current and functional, disinfecting equipment and clinical space following asepsis procedures; notifies designated personnel of malfunctioning equipment in need of repair.

Monitors dental supply inventories and notifies designated personnel of depleting…