Dental Hygienist

Job Purpose & Position Overview:

This position is a Registered Dental Hygienist at the Winnebago Dental Clinic. This position is responsible for the comprehensive planning, implementation and evaluation for the preventative dental program in consideration of both the clinical and community components.

Specific Job Duties/Responsibilities:

Community Component (approximately 10%)

Responsible for ascertaining the oral health status of the population regarding periodontal and other oral conditions using a variety of screening and information gathering methods. Special problems such as nursing bottle caries, juvenile periodontitis and diabetic complications are evaluated at the community level and incorporated into planning.

Develops a plan to address the dental program priorities to utilize available resources toward improving oral health status of the population, sealant programs and other appropriate preventive programs, which will lead to improved oral health.

Evaluates program results and provides the Chief of the dental program modifications to the program initiated based on described outcomes.

Provides educational programs to dentist, dental assistants, dental hygienists, medical staff, community health representatives, and other health workers who interact with the targeted population regarding appropriate strategies to prevent dental diseases.

Provides educational programs for community groups, tribal leaders, school officials and other interested parties.

Responsible for a community program for the prevention of dental disease within the geographical boundaries of the Service Unit including management of school­ based sealant programs and community fluoride delivery.

Clinical Component (Approximately 90%)

Serves as a clinical dental hygienist responsible for performing advanced prophylactic and preventive dental procedures in the treatment of patients with related medical and dental problems, such as, diabetic complications, compromising heart disease, and severe caries and periodontal disease.

Completes preliminary dental examinations on new dental service patients. The hygienist reviews patient's medical and dental history for evidences or past and present conditions such as medical illnesses and use of drugs which may complicate or alter dental hygiene treatment, examines the teeth and surrounding tissues for evidence of plaque and periodontal disease and chart findings; inspects the mouth and throat for evidence of disease such as oral cancer, interprets routine X-rays to identify tooth structures, calculus, and abnormalities such as cavities and deep periodontal Pockets.

Refers abnormalities such as cavities, traumatic occlusion, and suspicious lesions to the dentist. Prepares dental hygiene treatment plans for patients including assessment of the problem, type of oral hygiene care required, and the sequence of appointments needed to complete treatment.

Performs a complete oral prophylaxis on ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients. Performs deep sub gingival scaling, root planning, and curettage and administers local anesthesia. Polishes the teeth and applies fluoride for hypersensitivity and caries prevention. Gives home care instructions to patients after curettage. Provides bedside prophylactic treatment using specialized procedures for non-ambulatory patients. Selects patients and applies sealants and topical fluorides for individual patients.

In post-operative care of oral surgery and periodontal surgery patients, performs suture removal, changes dressings, applies topical anesthetics, impressions for construction of mouth guards, applies fluoride, and maintains recall system for careful follow-up of each patient. Educates patient on need for daily oral health and fluoride treatment.

Assists the dentist by making repairs and adjustments to the teeth by smoothing rough edges of restorations, removing overhanging margins of fillings, reducing sharp edges of fractured teeth, polishing and finishing amalgam restorations, and inserting temporary fillings in teeth.

Instruct patients at chair side in oral hygiene, brushing and flossing techniques, and periodontal aids, which increase the amount of stimulation to the periodontium. Plans and adapts instructions in home care techniques, tailoring them to the oral hygiene needs and oral problems of individual patients. Explains to patients the causes of periodontal disease and tooth decay, and the importance of diet as it relates to oral and systemic health.

Regularly instructs nurses, health educators, social workers, nursing assistants, community health representatives, and other medical staff in the proper techniques of oral hygiene to be applied to clients. Presents lectures and demonstrates in oral health care to various patient and community groups such as diabetics, hemo dialysis patients, and drug or alcohol dependent patients, health boards, etc., by using slides, denture models, tooth brushes, charts, and other dental education materials.

Qualifications/Skills:

Registered Dental Hygienist from an ADA approved school.

Proven ability to create dental programs, which benefit dental communities.

Ability to connect with the community and be able to give a continuality of care.

Interest in the health needs of Native American populations.

Public Health Core Competencies for this Position

Public Health Sciences

Describes the scientific foundation of the field of public health.

Analysis and Assessment

Apply ethical data principles.

Leadership and Systems Thinking

Contributes to continuous improvement of individual, program and organizational performance.

Participate in and/or provides opportunities for professional development opportunities.

Communication and Cultural Competency

Communicate the roles of governmental public health and public health stakeholders as well as information to influence behavior and improve public health.

Gather input from and facilitate communication among indivduals, groups, organizations and local government to improve community health.

Financial Planning and Management

Establishes teams for the purpose of achieving program and organizational goals.

Motivates personnel for the purpose of achieving program and organization goals.

Training Requirements:

N/A

Physical Requirements

Normal to light office work which includes the ability to lift up to 10 lbs.

Regularly required to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods of time and use hands to operate computer keyboard, phone, and various office equipment.

Cognitive Requirements:

Reading, writing, calculating

Above average social interaction skills

Reasoning/Analysis

Ability to work effectively both independently and as a team

Works with minimal to no supervision

Language Requirements:

Must possess the ability to read, write, and speak the English language fluently.

Must be able to continually and effectively employ professional verbal and written communications skills.

Certificates, Licenses & Registrations:

All applicants will comply with 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31, C and D, which require all prospective employees to sign a declaration prior to employment regarding all arrests and convictions of child abuse or violent felonies and to comply with PL 101-630 and PL 101-637 regarding criminal records check.

Please note the position description duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.