Dental Hygienist (2150)

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine•Springfield, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Hygienist provides preventive, educational, and therapeutic dental hygiene services to children and adults in a Federally Qualified Health Center in SIU’s Department of Family Medicine. The role supports high-quality, patient-centered oral healthcare for diverse populations, including underserved and vulnerable individuals. In collaboration with dentists and other healthcare professionals, the hygienist assesses oral health needs, develops individualized care plans, provides preventive treatment, and promotes oral health education. The position advances the FQHC’s mission to improve access to care, reduce oral health disparities, and integrate oral health into comprehensive healthcare services. This is an onsite-only position. The role requires current, valid Illinois Dental Hygienist licensure and current CPR certification. Employees must be able to sit, stand, and move throughout working hours; work independently; communicate effectively; stay organized; and be flexible and cooperative. An out-of-state resident hired into the position must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date. Pre-employment background screening is required.

Requirements

Current, valid licensure as a Dental Hygienist in the State of Illinois.
Current, valid CPR certification.
Sensitivity to the needs of underrepresented minority populations.
Understanding of dental office procedures and workflow.
Experience with dental care environments.
Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout working hours.
Ability to work independently.
Effective and efficient communication with peers and patients.
Organizational skills to perform tasks in a timely manner.
Flexibility and cooperation in fulfilling role obligations.
Out-of-state residents hired into the position must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of their start date.
Successful completion of required pre-employment background screening.

Responsibilities

Assess patients’ oral health, review medical and dental histories, and identify conditions or risk factors that may affect treatment.
Obtain and document dental histories, chief complaints, clinical findings, periodontal assessments, and other observations in the electronic health record.
Provide direct care, including dental prophylaxis, scaling and root planing, polishing, dental radiographs, fluoride treatments, sealants, and other preventive or therapeutic procedures within the authorized scope of practice.
Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized dental hygiene care plans based on patient assessments, oral health needs, and clinical guidelines.
Communicate assessment findings, treatment recommendations, and patient concerns to the supervising dentist and healthcare team.
Educate patients about oral hygiene, periodontal disease prevention, nutrition, tobacco cessation, and the relationship between oral and overall health.
Assist dentists with examinations, specialized procedures, and complex treatments as appropriate and within scope of practice.
Prepare, maintain, and disinfect treatment areas, instruments, and equipment according to infection prevention, sterilization, and safety protocols.
Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation, including treatment, patient education, follow-up recommendations, and procedure codes.
Support access to dental services through care coordination, referrals, follow-up appointments, and communication with patients and healthcare providers.
Collaborate with clinical teams to support integrated, patient-centered care and address oral health conditions that may affect overall health.
Identify unmet oral health needs and support preventive care initiatives, patient outreach, and community health education.
Provide culturally sensitive and compassionate care to patients of diverse backgrounds, ages, abilities, and socioeconomic circumstances.
Follow clinical protocols, organizational policies, infection control standards, and applicable federal and state regulations, including HIPAA and OSHA requirements.
Participate in dental clinic initiatives, clinical performance monitoring, and efforts to improve patient outcomes and access to care.
Maintain professional licensure, required certifications, and continuing education.
Assist with patient scheduling, clinical reports, supply management, and other administrative functions that support dental clinic operations.
Perform other related duties as assigned.