DENTAL HYGIENIST

Under the direction of the Dental Director, and as part of a team-based health care delivery model, deliver the full range of hygiene services and hygiene education possible per the individual clinician’s scope of practice to Vibrant Health patients; Team-based approach to care delivery for all patients; Evidence-based approaches to patient care; Teaching self-management to patients; Emphasize seamless care coordination for all patients; Strive to understand the populations served and adjustment of services to fit patient needs. 

ESSENTIAL JOB RESULTS

• Prepares treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
• Prepares patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and draping patient.
• Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering questions and giving directions as authorized by the dentist.
• Provides preventive and rehabilitative periodontal services as prescribed by the treatment plan
• Perform allowed services under proper supervision per Extended Care Permit regulations, if applicable
• Travel in the surrounding areas for dental outreach responsibilities including transportation of mobile unit
• Performs dental sealants on 6 and 12 year molars 
• Provides diagnostic information by exposing and developing radiographic studies in accordance with state regulations and dental department protocol, taking care to avoid unnecessary radiation
• Sterilizes instruments and disinfects surfaces in accordance with clinic policy and OSHA/Kansas Dental Board regulations.
• Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply, and emergency telephone directory
• Educates patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control, dietary counseling, and postoperative instructions 
• Documents dental care services by charting in patient records 
• Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Ensures operation of dental equipment by following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs as needed, according to dental department policy/protocol.
• Maintains dental operatory supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; compiling a supply order list; verifying receipt of supplies, as directed.
• Conserves dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Insures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials and sharps in accordance with dental department policy and state/federal regulations.
• Assists with and monitors patient flow; receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professionals matters, clinic business and patient care.
• Other tasks as identified and delegated, within Kansas Dental Board scope of practice restrictions.

Carries out Vibrant Health’s mission: To provide access to respectful, empowering, culturally sensitive and appropriate high quality health care for the community, regardless of socio-economic obstacles.

Accepts and uses supervision, direction and consultation to maximize available resources in the completion of work duties.

Additional responsibilities will be assigned as needed to maintain and improve effective functioning of the department and to advance the mission of the organization.

All job responsibilities will be carried out under the direction of the organization’s policies and procedures.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Kansas RDH License
  1. ECP-1 licensure or willing to obtain
• Current CPR (BLS) Certificate

Individual must:

1. Develop rapport with patients and their families, community and other health care personnel.
2. Work successfully within team environment and collaborate with other professional staff.
3. Demonstrate excellent customer service, helpfulness, and a positive attitude.
4. Possess superior organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
5. Demonstrate ability to remain calm and make decisions under pressure.
6. Demonstrate the ability to recognize, understand, and appreciate the value of cultural diversity.  Demonstrate social and cultural sensitivity appropriate to ethnically and economically diverse patients and staff.
7. Travel to all parts of the facility and throughout the community.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Bilingual Spanish/English
• Experience within a community health center

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None

Americans with Disability Specifications

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk and hear.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move materials that may weigh up to 40 pounds.

Work Environment

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, radiation and other conditions common to a clinical environment may routinely be encountered. 
• Work involves handling sharp objects.
• Position involves extensive use of computer, telephone, fax and copier equipment.
• Must have manual dexterity and experience to perform handwritten paper work, recordkeeping, and filing.
• Prolonged sitting, standing, or walking may be required. 
• Frequent bending/stooping, squatting, reaching above the shoulders, twisting and turning, kneeling, and pushing/pulling may be required. 
• Employment is contingent upon successful clearance from Criminal, Kansas and Missouri Child/Elder Abuse and Neglect, Sex Offender background investigations, TB testing, pre-employment drug testing, and verification of Hepatitis-B immunization.
• Occasional evening and weekend availability is required.

Commitment to Diversity

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and desire priority referrals of protected veterans.