Dental Hygienist

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

8d•$65,376 - $70,613•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Colorado College of Nursing is hiring a full-time, benefits-eligible Registered Dental Hygienist for Sheridan Health Services, a multi-site, nurse-managed Federally Qualified Health Center in southwest Denver. The hygienist provides preventive and therapeutic oral healthcare to pediatric and adult patients at the primary clinic and in community settings. The role is part of an integrated care environment supporting Behavioral Oral Health Integration (BOHI), Medical Dental Integration (MDI), Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), and Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS). The position serves as a clinical provider, educator, patient advocate, and interdisciplinary team member, contributing to patient care, documentation, quality improvement, community outreach, regulatory compliance, and student mentorship. Sheridan Health Services serves residents primarily in Arapahoe, Denver, and Jefferson counties. Its patient population is diverse, and many patients are best served in a language other than English, with Spanish predominant. Work is performed under the general direction and authority of the Sheridan Health Services Dental Director. The position is on-site at the Sheridan Health Services clinic and requires travel to community outreach locations as needed. The starting salary range is $65,376 to $70,612.80. The position is benefits-eligible and may be eligible for overtime compensation depending on its level.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited Dental Hygiene program.
Current, unrestricted Colorado Dental Hygienist license, or eligibility to obtain licensure by the date of hire.
Current BLS/CPR certification, or ability to obtain it by the date of hire.
Legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring current or future sponsorship.
Participate in health plan credentialing and contracting activities as required and remain credentialed with health plans accepted by Sheridan Health Services.
Comply with University, College, Sheridan Health Services, and professional policies and procedures.
Ability to work in a clinical environment with exposure to biological hazards and infectious diseases.
Willingness and ability to travel to community outreach locations as required.
Obtain and maintain a Colorado Dental Hygienist license, valid NPI number, Colorado Medicaid Provider enrollment, and CAQH credentialing by the date of hire.
Willingness and ability to actively participate in health plan contracts and treat adult and pediatric patients.
Sound clinical judgment and ability to prioritize competing patient and organizational needs.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and patient education skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
Ability to manage schedules and meet productivity expectations, including a full clinic schedule.
Proficiency with electronic health record systems and related technologies.
Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
Demonstrated leadership, professionalism, reliability, and accountability.
Commitment to HIPAA compliance, patient confidentiality, ethical practice, OSHA guidelines, and workplace safety.
Commitment to clinical excellence, operational effectiveness, and continuous quality improvement.
Comprehensive knowledge of dental materials and equipment, including their use, maintenance, and storage.
Highly responsible, reliable, and courteous.

Nice To Haves

One year of clinical dental hygiene experience.
Experience in a community health center, public health, academic, or integrated healthcare setting.
Experience with Epic Wisdom or similar electronic health record systems.
Conversational Spanish/English bilingual proficiency in a clinical setting.
Experience working with diverse and underserved populations.
Experience teaching, precepting, or mentoring healthcare students.

Responsibilities

Assess dental conditions and treatment needs using patient screening, medical and dental histories, medications, allergies, radiographs, and dental and periodontal charting.
Provide direct dental hygiene care and perform procedures in accordance with Colorado licensure and standards of care.
Perform preventive and periodontal procedures for patients of all ages, including prophylaxis, debridement, scaling, root planing, periodontal maintenance, polishing, and flossing.
Obtain and document vital signs, blood glucose, oral pH, salivary flow measurements, and other screenings as indicated by clinic policy.
Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation in Epic and related electronic health record systems, including histories, treatment plans, procedures, referrals, consultations, prescriptions, and patient communications.
Take, process, and evaluate dental radiographs and collaborate with the dentist on diagnostic findings and additional imaging needs.
Refer patients to dentists or specialists for care beyond the scope of dental hygiene practice.
Apply fluoride treatments, sealants, and caries-arresting medicaments as indicated.
Take impressions and prepare study models as needed.
Apply documentation, coding, billing, and compliance best practices; manage resources responsibly and support fiscally sound clinical operations.
Record and report pertinent observations and patient reactions to dental staff; document laboratory procedures and follow up on results as appropriate.
Educate patients and families about oral hygiene, caries prevention, periodontal disease prevention, and other oral health topics.
Clean, sterilize, and maintain instruments and equipment in compliance with infection-control standards.
Participate in BOHI, MDI, PCMH, and CLAS initiatives.
Collect and report data for grants, quality improvement, and performance measurement activities.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives, chart audits, regulatory compliance activities, and accreditation processes.
Orient dental doctoral, dental assistant, and dental hygiene students as assigned.
Assist with inventory management, ordering, and maintenance of dental equipment and supplies.
Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team and use key performance indicators to support innovative and cost-effective practice changes.
Ensure compliance with University, College, professional, HIPAA, OSHA, and other applicable requirements.
Participate in provider and staff recruitment, credentialing activities, and departmental meetings as requested.
Serve as a professional role model and support the mission, vision, values, and strategic goals of Sheridan Health Services and the University of Colorado.