DENTAL HYGIENIST

Whitman-Walker Health•Washington, DC

4d•$80,000 - $100,000

About The Position

Provides high-quality, routine dental hygiene care to patients at the Clinic using a patient-centered model. Works with the Director of Dental Services, staff dentists, and the broader dental and medical care team to provide comprehensive, culturally sensitive care. The role also supports patient education and prevention planning, community outreach and education related to HIV and LGBT oral health, orientation of volunteer dental professionals, and ongoing professional education. The position carries no budget or management responsibilities.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited dental hygiene program or dental school.
Licensure as a Dental Hygienist in the District of Columbia.
Knowledge of standard medical and dental clinic procedures, including standards, protocols, and ethical guidelines for dental hygiene care.
Ability to interact sensitively and empathetically while respecting the dignity and diversity of patients, clients, and staff, including differences in HIV status, race, ethnicity, ability, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Interpersonal skills to de-escalate difficult client encounters.
Ability to collaborate and contribute within a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to manage time and effort to meet strategic objectives.
Knowledge of customer-service principles and applicable organizational policies and procedures.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Fluency in medical and dental terminology.
Knowledge of healthcare information systems and ability to adapt to electronic medical records and population health platforms.
Ability to work various shifts, including afternoon, evening, and weekend shifts as necessary.
Ability to work harmoniously with diverse groups of individuals.
Ability to lift no more than 20 pounds infrequently and to stand and sit for long periods.
Ability to work for extended periods with computer systems and maintain concentration for accurate data entry; intermittent telephone-system use is also required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of eCW.
Experience in HIV-related dental hygiene.
Experience working with an ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse workforce.

Responsibilities

Provide routine dental hygiene care, including completing and updating medical histories, periodontal charting and probing, taking and processing radiographs, and performing scaling, prophylaxis, and root planing.
Educate clients about dental hygiene and develop treatment and prevention plans to support care between office visits.
Conduct community outreach, including participating in education about HIV and LGBT oral health.
Assist with orientation for new volunteer dentists and hygienists.
Obtain continuing dental and medical education, including education on HIV and LGBT oral health.
Follow the organization’s mission, cultural norms, and values, and interact respectfully, compassionately, and without judgment with patients, clients, and staff.
Provide excellent customer service and comply with organizational policies and procedures, with particular attention to HIPAA requirements.
Maintain data integrity through conscientious use of relevant tools and appropriate checks.
Organize and prioritize work, manage multiple tasks and deadlines, and reprioritize as needed.
Participate in organizational quality and performance improvement activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.