Dental Hygienist I

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Wichita Falls, TX

24d•Onsite

About The Position

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage. Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below. Performs professional cleaning, scaling, and polishing of teeth according to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners standards. In addition to cleaning, scaling, and polishing teeth, the dental hygienist develops and teaches a dental health program designed to prevent dental disease and improve quality of life. Work requires ability to evaluate clinical findings, medical history and previous medical/dental records and integrate that information into a plan for excellent dental hygiene. Appropriately identifies and refers abnormal dental conditions to licensed dentist director. Exposes, develops and mounts dental X-rays. Accurately documents record of services rendered. Provides infection control by using sterilized instruments and applying standard precautions for all dental procedures. Works under general supervision and with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Works with persons who may have multiple physical, and behavioral disabilities which act as barriers to routine dental care. Works on dental desensitization plans. Provide treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.

Requirements

Knowledge of dental disease prevention techniques, of dental prophylaxis techniques and procedures, and of public health dental programs.
Advanced Skill in the use of dental tools and equipment.
Ability to clean and care for human teeth, to instruct patients and Direct Support Staff in the proper care of teeth and gums, and to expose, develop, and mount X rays.
Knowledge of OSHA Blood Borne Pathogen Precautions, rules, and regulations related to body fluids and Biomedical Waste handling.
Ability to appropriately apply restraints as outlined in the individual's served Annual Rights Assessment completed by the Interdisciplinary Team and/or appropriately signed consents to prevent unintentional injury to the individual or staff during dental procedures.
Knowledge and skill in the use of available adaptive aides which are used to provide dental care to persons with mental, physical, or behavioral challenges.
Knowledge of medical terminology and medical conditions which impact dental health. Knowledge and ability to identify abnormal dental conditions and make appropriate referrals to a licensed dentist for treatments beyond the scope of practice of a dental hygienist.
Must be licensed as a dental hygienist by the State of Texas.
Six months of experience in dental hygienist work.
Graduation from a recognized and accredited school or college of dentistry or dental hygiene approved by the State Board of Dental Examiners is required.

Responsibilities

Provides professional cleaning, scaling, and polishing of teeth according to Texas State Board of Dental Examiners standards.
Evaluates clinical findings, medical history and previous medical/dental records and integrates the information into a plan for excellent dental hygiene.
Provides infection control by using sterilized instruments and applying standard precautions for all dental hygiene procedures.
Documents record of services rendered accurately and without omission.
Applies preventive dental care treatment drugs to surface tissues and exposed surfaces of teeth. Exposes, develops, and mounts both physical and digital dental X-rays.
Develops and teaches a dental health program designed to prevent dental disease and improve the quality of life for persons served.
Identifies and refers all abnormal conditions to licensed dental director.
Provide treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.
Actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.