Dental Hygienist

KEEWAYTINOOK OKIMAKANAK • Deer Lake, ON

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Health Director, the Dental Hygienist will be responsible to implement and deliver the Children’s Oral Health Initiative (COHI) program. COHI is a community-based initiative to prevent tooth decay and to promote improved oral health among First Nations children 0–7 years, their caregivers, and pregnant women living on-reserve or accessing on-reserve resources. As the oral health lead, you will work with other programs and personnel to promote health and wellness in the community.
The COHI Dental Hygienist is responsible for the fulfillment of the duties and responsibilities detailed in the job description. Accountability is exercised through the following:

Requirements

• Current registration with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO) with authorization to self-initiate.
• Proof of current and valid liability insurance as set out the CDHO requirements.
• Must have a Class ‘G’ Ontario Driver’s License and ability to travel.
• Must have $1M auto insurance liability coverage.
• Annual proof of valid First Aid and Level C – CPR with AED training.
• Provide an acceptable Canadian Police Information Centre Check (CPIC) and Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) prior to initiation of program delivery.
• Able to provide an acceptable Driver’s Abstract, evidence of a valid Ontario Driver’s License, and show proof of insurance.
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture and values.
• A solid understanding of and sensitivity to the experiences of First Nations and Indigenous peoples in Canada, and the impact of the legacy of Residential Schools and the Sixties Scoop upon them is essential.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience working with First Nation/Indigenous organizations or communities.
• Previous community health experience.
• Experience working in remote or isolated locations.
• Experience working with children, caregivers, and prenatal women.

Responsibilities

• Engage in onboarding training for dental hygienist providers conducted by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and attend annual virtual provider meetings hosted by ISC.
• Ensure the collection of appropriately completed permission/consent forms.
• Conduct oral health screenings to survey and determine the oral health status and preventive needs of each child, including fluoride varnish applications, oral hygiene instruction, nutritional guidance, SDF/IST/pit & fissure sealants as required, and oral health information sessions to children, pre and post-natal mothers, and the community.
• Referrals for services outside the scope of the COHI program.
• Train the COHI Aide in fluoride application techniques.
• Educate parent/caregiver(s) in basic oral hygiene methods for themselves and children in their care, including the knee-to-knee technique.
• Liaise with local community-based, regional programs, agencies, and organizations to strengthen communication and programming, including the daycare, school, nursing stations, health centers, band administration, and First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB).
• Reviewing, analyzing, collecting, safeguarding, and submitting data to the Regional Indigenous Services Canada team in accordance with the reporting requirements of the COHI program.
• Program management and administrative duties (i.e., completion of dental screening forms, daily service records, appointment log, and dental charts).
• Maintain client and family confidentiality.
• Provide services in a variety of community settings, including the daycare, community centre, health centre, school, and, upon request, conduct home visits within the community.
• Responsible for the operation, transportation, setup, maintenance, and safe use of portable dental equipment, including but not limited to portable chairs, lights, and mobile units with suction, as required.
• Frequent lifting, carrying, and moving of equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.

Benefits

• Hourly rate or daily per diem, to be determined based on qualifications and experience.
• Reasonable travel expenses, including mileage and approved accommodations where applicable, will be reimbursed in accordance with KO’s policies and approved funding guidelines.

What This Job Offers

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