Dental Hygienist II

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Rusk, TX

12d • Onsite

About The Position

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 highly complex (senior level) dental hygienist work on patients at Texas State Hospitals. Performs professional cleaning, scaling, and polishing of teeth. Exposes, develops, and mounts both physical and digital dental X-rays. Evaluates and examines gums to help locate signs of periodontal disease. Applies preventative care treatments. Identifies and refers all abnormal conditions to licensed dentist. Accurately documents record of services rendered. Develops and teaches a dental health program, using medical history and other information to tailor an individualized dental hygiene program to each patient’s needs. Prepares reports and answers questions as assigned and as appropriate to scope of practice. Collaborates with other members of the dental department for business purposes. Maintains inflection control standards. Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment. Performs other duties as assigned. Works under limited supervision of a licensed dentist, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

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.
• Ability 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 to prevent unintentional injury to the patient 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, especially those commonly seen in state hospital facilities.
• 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.
• Knowledge of Microsoft office programs and/or a dental electronic health record.
• Licensed as a Dental Hygienist by the State of Texas.
• One (1) year of experience as a practicing dental hygienist in a dental office, health agency, hospital, or health-care facility is required.

Responsibilities

• Provides professional cleaning, scaling, and polishing of teeth according to Texas State Board of Dental Examiners standards.
• Evaluates and examines gums to help locate signs of periodontal disease.
• Applies preventive dental care treatment drugs to surface tissues, exposed surfaces of teeth, and pit and fissure sealants to teeth.
• Identifies and refers all abnormal conditions to licensed dentist.
• Develops and teaches a dental health program designed to prevent dental disease and improve the quality of life for persons served.
• Evaluates clinical findings, medical history, and previous medical/dental records and integrates the information into a plan for excellent individualized dental hygiene program for patients such as recommending different oral care methods.
• Documents record of services rendered accurately, timely, and without omission.
• Prepares reports of various dental treatments and other legislative needs when assigned.
• Exposes, develops, and mounts both physical and digital dental X-rays.
• Provides infection control by using sterilized instruments and applying standard precautions for all dental hygiene procedures.
• Collaborates with other members of the dental department for business purposes including organization of the instruments, appointment scheduling, treatments needed and performed, documentation of work performed, and identification of trends and patterns.
• Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.
• Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to 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.

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• defined benefit pension plan
• generous time off benefits
• numerous opportunities for career advancement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed