Dental Hygienist- outpatient Medical Center

Denver Health and Hospital Authority•Denver, CO

9d•Onsite

About The Position

We are recruiting for a mission-driven Dental Hygienist- outpatient Medical Center to join our team! We're with you for life’s journey. At Denver Health, purpose isn’t just something we believe in—it’s something we live every day, for life’s journey. Our Values Respect | Belonging | Accountability | Transparency Job Summary Under indirect supervision, performs dental hygiene services for the care and treatment of patients in the community health dental clinics. This may include an assessment and diagnosis of oral diseases and treatment plan within the scope of practice of a Licensed Dental Hygienist in Colorado to complete preventative prophylaxis cleanings, periodontal maintenance treatment, non-surgical periodontal therapy, oral hygiene instruction, fluoride application and placement of dental sealants. Prescribes therapeutic agents within their scope according to the state practice act, with collaboration of an attending dentist. Under indirect supervision, administers injectable local anesthetic when indicated, application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) (with certification) and with certification and a permit from the state, can apply Interim Therapeutic Restorations (ITR). The dental hygienist will also be responsible for completing medical and dental histories, taking necessary radiographs according to ALARA principles, taking vital signs when indicated and ensuring the patient's periodontal and dental exams are up-to-date.

Requirements

Associate's Degree in Dental Hygiene
1-3 years Direct clinical practice or Recent graduation from an accredited Dental Hygiene program
Dental Hygienist - DORA - Department of Regulatory Agencies
BLS-Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) - AHA - American Heart Association
LOCAL-Local Anesthesia - State Board of Dentistry
Knowledge of dental hygiene procedures and techniques sufficient to be able to perform the full scope of preventive dental hygiene services, including dental hygiene diagnosis of dental disease, oral health screenings, oral cancer screening, oral-systemic health education, fluoride treatment, dental sealants, prophylactic cleanings, and NSPT, (scaling and root planning).
Critical thinking skills for determining when appropriate referrals are needed to dental specialists, medical care and/or behavioral healthcare.
Knowledge of trauma informed care practices willingness to provide equitable care in a system that provides LGBTQ+ affirming and culturally diverse healthcare.
Knowledge of motivational interviewing practices and ability to have effective coaching conversations with patients and their families around nutrition, oral-systemic health, oral diseases, home hygiene and substance use.
Complies with Dental Practice Act for continuing education requirements.
Knowledge of ALARA principles for prescribing and capturing dental radiographs.

Nice To Haves

With the appropriate certification as determined by the Dental Practice Act: Prescribes and applies silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for arresting caries, dentinal hypersensitivity and caries prevention.
With the appropriate permit from the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) and as determined by the Dental Practice Act: After prescription of an interim therapeutic restoration (ITR) from a supervising dentist, places ITR on pediatric and adult patients.
May administer nitrous oxide for patient management under direct supervision according to the dental practice act.

Responsibilities

Performs dental hygiene assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning for dental hygiene services.
Provides preventative dentistry.
Completes non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT).
Takes digital radiographs for diagnosing periodontal conditions and identifying dental abnormalities.
Completes oral cancer screenings and takes intraoral images when indicated for appropriate referral and follow-up.
Completes a Caries Risk Assessment on all patients.
Completes patient care notes within 72 hours of registration.
Assists with sterile processing preparation.
May be asked to fill-in at other community dental clinics, in Medical-Dental Integration programs or school-based programs.

Benefits

Generous paid time off, fully paid parental leave, exceptional retirement contributions, comprehensive health coverage, and nationally recognized well-being programs.
Tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, and professional development.
Meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions.
Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick, and 7 Holidays
100% paid parental leave up to 6 weeks
Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution up to 9.5%
Generous medical, dental, vision plans in addition to employer paid disability and life insurance.
Comprehensive well-being programs including on-site employee fitness center located on Denver Health main campus and nationally recognized RESTORE Center
Free RTD EcoPass (public transportation)
Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more
Tuition reimbursement & assistance
Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center (WFDC) that support internal career growth and advancement pathways
Professional clinical advancement program & shared governance
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer+ free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the PSLF program
National Health Service Corps (NHCS) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) eligible employer