Community Based- Registered Dental Hygienist

Choptank Community Health System, Inc..•Denton, MD

45d•$76,843 - $115,264•Hybrid

About The Position

The Community-Based Dental Program Hygienist supports The School Based Dental Program (SBDP), a critical part of the Choptank Community Health System (CCHS) oral health team, playing an essential role in the prevention of dental decay in children. This role involves providing dental prophylaxis, fluoride varnish treatment, dental sealants, and oral hygiene instruction. The hygienist will plan and conduct oral health educational programs within the school setting, focusing on the prevention and control of dental disease. Responsibilities include initiating patient referrals for follow-up care, serving as a key link between dental providers and patients/families, and assisting in the coordination of daily SBDP activities, including record maintenance. This position requires travel to various sites across CCHS's five-county service area on the mid-shore, utilizing the CCHS Mobile Health Unit (MHU). This is an exempt, full-time position with a pay range of $76,843.00 - $115,264.00. The Community-Based Dental Program Hygienist reports directly to the Director of Community Based Programs and is supervised in dyad with Dental Hygiene leadership.

Requirements

Must be able to work independently
Possess excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills
Communicate effectively
Must possess valid driver’s license and have dependable transportation.
Driving CCHS vehicles, specifically our MHU, is a requirement.
Will regularly travel to all school and community locations where CCHS provides care.
High school diploma or equivalent
Licensed as a Dental Hygienist by the State of Maryland (license must remain current including renewed on-time)
Minimum of two years of related experience

Responsibilities

Provides preventive dental treatments including fluoride varnish and the topical application of pit and fissure sealants to the surface tissues and exposed surfaces of human teeth.
Conducts a pain and risk assessment for every patient to determine which services to provide. Thoroughly cleans patient’s teeth, including scaling and polishing.
Presents instruction and conducts demonstrations with model in proper methods of brushing teeth and gums during patient visits.
Utilizes electronic dental record to document patient visit.
Consults patients on proper nutrition as this promotes dental and gingival health.
Communicates the results of patient visit with child’s dental home office.
Completes correspondence to patient’s parent/guardian detailing the dental visit.
Facilitates case management of children in the School Based Dental Program identified with dental disease.
Maintains a safe and hygienic environment for patients.
Stays current on the operation and maintenance of all SBDP equipment.
Prepares, sterilizes organizes and sets up equipment.
Ensures all dental instruments are clean, dated and processed according to established clinic guidelines.
Works with community groups and organizations to offer education programs that are age/audience appropriate and contain current oral health research/topics. Determines timing, place, presentation material and handouts.
Participates in Back-to-School nights and other related activities to promote the SBDP.
Shares information on the SBDP with CCHS and school staff to secure program support and success.
Accurately documents and updates logs according to SBDP policy and procedures on daily basis.
Regular, reliable attendance is a requirement of this job.