Dental Hygienist

MID-STATE HEALTH CENTER•Bristol, NH

About The Position

At Mid-State Health Center, care starts with people—and that includes our team. We’re a mission-driven, not-for-profit health center serving the people of central New Hampshire through compassionate, high-quality care. Our integrated model supports patients across primary care, behavioral health, dental, substance use treatment, advanced imaging, childcare, and so much more. With nearly 15,000 patients served, our work reaches every corner of the community—and it all starts with a dedicated team. At Mid-State, you’ll be part of a supportive, collaborative environment that values whole-person care, innovation, and doing good—for those we serve and for one another. We offer competitive pay based on experience and credentials, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with match; paid time off and holidays; tuition reimbursement; professional development support; flexible spending accounts; life, cancer, and accident insurance; and access to an employee assistance program. More than a job, this is a place where your work matters and your impact is real. Mid-State Health Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Mid-State Health Center is looking for a motivated, compassionate and mission-driven, part-time, Registered Dental Hygienist or Certified Public Health Dental Hygienist! The mission of MSHC is to provide sound primary healthcare to the community, accessible to all, regardless of ability to pay. We practice integrated whole-person healthcare alongside our colleagues in medical, behavioral health, physical therapy, nutrition, chiropractic and more. Our comprehensive approach to oral health prioritizes wellness by focusing on early intervention and prevention using minimally invasive techniques. Our team values empathy, kindness and respect for all in every aspect of our work. Dental Hygienists are responsible for providing preventative care and education for dental patients. Dental hygiene services shall be provided under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Dental Hygienist duties include additional administrative responsibilities to ensure ideal functioning of the dental practice. These duties may include front office support, equipment maintenance patient education and patient care coordination. GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES: Dental Hygienists are responsible for providing preventative care and education for dental patients. Dental hygiene services shall be provided under the supervision of a licensed dentist. In addition to the oral health services we provide at the health center location in Bristol, NH, MSHC provides oral health services to the Newfound Area School District and Grafton County Nursing Home and we have opportunities available for CPHDHs. Our innovative approach to care delivery allows us to reduce barriers to care and increase access for high-risk patients. Candidates for this position must be willing to travel to all sites. The position requires heavy lifting of portable dental equipment from the health center to off-site locations and back. The CPHDH must be comfortable working in a variety of unconventional settings. The CPHDH must be able to work independently, troubleshoot equipment problems, adapt to location challenges and compassionately treat complex populations.

Requirements

Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene
Registered Dental Hygienist, licensed in the state of New Hampshire
Creating a safe, effective environment for patients.
Infection control
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Teamwork
Work requires excellent manual hygiene skills, mobility to complete errands or deliveries, or sitting, standing, bending or stooping for extended periods of time.
The employee is regularly asked to perform repetitive tasks.
Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds.
Occasionally may have to assist patients physically.
Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.
Requires manual and finger dexterity such that hygiene tasks can be performed, hand-eye coordination is required.
Employee uses written and communication skills, reads and interprets data, analyzes and solves routine problems, observes and interprets people and conditions, performs highly detailed work, interacts frequently with others including people who may be anxious or upset.
Requires the ability to plan and perform complex work that involves new or constantly changing problems where there can be multiple acceptable methods or procedures.
Involves participation in the formulation and carrying out of policies, objectives and programs for major divisions or functions.
Considerable ingenuity and exceptional judgment required to deal with factors not easily evaluated, interpret results and make decisions carrying a great deal of responsibility.
Candidates for this position must be willing to travel to all sites.
The position requires heavy lifting of portable dental equipment from the health center to off-site locations and back.
The CPHDH must be comfortable working in a variety of unconventional settings.
The CPHDH must be able to work independently, troubleshoot equipment problems, adapt to location challenges and compassionately treat complex populations.

Nice To Haves

Previous clinical experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare treatment room for patient by adhering to prescribed procedures and protocols.
Prepare patient for dental hygiene treatment by welcoming, soothing, seating, and draping patient.
Provide information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests.
Maintain instrumentation for dental hygiene treatment by sharpening, sterilizing, and selecting instruments.
Select materials and equipment for dental hygiene visit by evaluating patients’ oral health.
Detect disease by completing oral cancer screening; feeling and visually examining gums; using probes to locate periodontal disease and to assess levels of recession; exposing and developing radiographic studies.
Record periodontal probe readings yearly.
Chart existing restorative and periodontal conditions.
Arrest dental decay by applying fluorides and other cavity- preventing agents.
Assist dentist in making a periodontal diagnosis and perform indicated periodontal services according to the clinical periodontal protocol.
Present patient with periodontal informed consent form as indicated by protocols.
Monitor patients’ periodontal progress through appropriate periodontal recall interval.
Help dentist manage dental and medical emergencies.
Educate patients by giving oral hygiene and plaque control instructions and postoperative instructions; providing reminders of time of next dental hygiene visit.
Document dental hygiene services by recording medical and dental histories; charting in patient records and completing clinical notes.
Maintain patient confidence and protect operations by keeping information confidential.
Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
Protect patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
Maintain dental hygiene supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
Support coordination of referrals generated by the hygiene department and outreach program, sending and obtaining letters, referral forms, radiographs and health records as needed.
Support the front desk staff in completing and explaining treatment plans.
Conserve dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
Place interim therapeutic restorations.
Provide hygiene services with portable dental equipment at schools, primary care locations, nursing homes, senior centers etc, as directed by the Dental Director.
Maintain contact with community partners to facilitate outreach programs.
Maintain schedule and records for outreach programs.
Maintain portable equipment, completing any necessary cleaning or maintenance procedures in a timely fashion. Keep records of maintenance.
Coordinate referrals generated by the hygiene department and outreach program, sending and obtaining letters, referral forms, radiographs and health records as needed.