DENTAL HYGIENIST - 64082345

State of Florida • PALATKA, FL

75d • $55,000 - $66,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Florida Department of Health in Putnam County is hiring a Public Health Registered Dental Hygienist to coordinate and implement its school-based dental sealant program (SBSP) while also providing chairside clinical hygiene services in the fixed dental clinic. The position supports community oral health initiatives, delivers evidence-based preventive services, and follows professional practice and regulatory standards. The incumbent is expected to work independently, manage time and productivity, and develop opportunities related to public health dental hygiene while balancing school program and clinic responsibilities.

As SBSP Coordinator, the hygienist provides services and education to students and families in Title I schools and after-care programs, public charter schools, and other health department or community settings. The program promotes dental health, helps prevent dental caries, and connects children and families with dental providers. Services include oral screenings, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and oral hygiene and dietary education for children and their parents or guardians. The position plans and manages program activities, conducts outreach, coordinates school events, oversees support staff, and completes required program data entry and surveillance.

In the fixed dental clinic, the hygienist provides direct clinical services, including assessments, prophylaxis, periodontal therapy, fluoride treatments, radiographs, sealants, and oral health education. The role works chairside with dentists and dental assistants and supports patient flow, records and documentation, infection control, patient triage, care coordination, supplies, and quality improvement. The incumbent also participates in oral health outreach, health fairs, and emergency response activities, and may perform other assigned duties. The position is based at the Florida Department of Health in Putnam County, 2801 Kennedy Street, Palatka, Florida.

Requirements

• Licensure as a Dental Hygienist in accordance with Florida Statute 466.
• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification, or ability to obtain it during employment.
• Knowledge of dental terminology and dental hygiene principles, practices, and procedures.
• Skill in using dental instruments and equipment.
• Skill in performing prophylaxis and instructing patients in preventive dental techniques.
• Ability to use general office equipment, including personal or portable computers.
• Ability to follow general office procedures and practices.
• Ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to assemble, disassemble, and transport portable dental equipment to and from school settings efficiently, using a county-designated vehicle.
• Ability to learn and communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.
• Ability to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days, if required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with the Department of Health.
• Bilingual ability.
• Pediatric dental experience.
• Knowledge of Eagle Soft software.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement the school-based dental sealant program (SBSP).
• Provide preventive dental services and oral health education to preschool- and school-age children and their families in schools and community settings.
• Perform oral screenings, risk assessments, cleanings, fluoride applications, and dental sealant placement in school settings in accordance with state practice guidelines.
• Address children’s questions and dental fears, and work with students on behavioral issues related to oral hygiene compliance.
• Plan, organize, and manage SBSP activities, and conduct outreach to schools, families, and community partners to encourage program participation.
• Ensure compliance with clinical, documentation, consent, and reporting requirements for school-based services.
• Train and oversee support staff assigned to school-based events, including adherence to infection control, data-entry standards, and equipment-handling practices.
• Coordinate school events with school staff and manage scheduling to avoid conflicts between the SBSP and fixed-clinic services.
• Complete timely and accurate FLOSS Program data entry and surveillance in accordance with Florida Department of Health guidelines.
• Represent the department at school functions and outreach events, and engage community partners to promote positive dental outcomes for school-aged children.
• Coordinate event logistics with facilities staff, including equipment transport, inventory, and supply procurement.
• Use state or county vehicles when needed for authorized official business related to the position.
• Provide direct dental hygiene services in the fixed clinic, including assessments, prophylaxis, periodontal therapy, fluoride treatments, radiographs, sealants, and oral health education.
• Work chairside with dentists and dental assistants during clinical procedures to support patient flow and quality care.
• Complete and maintain electronic dental records, charting, referrals, and billing-related documentation.
• Apply public health principles to patient education, emphasizing prevention, disease management, and community resources.
• Follow infection control protocols, sterilization procedures, and clinic safety standards.
• Support clinic operations through patient triage, care coordination, supply management, and quality improvement activities.
• Manage dental supplies by checking expiration dates, rotating clean supplies, maintaining available instruments and supplies, and ordering and maintaining inventory for the SBSP and fixed clinic.
• Participate in oral health outreach events, health fairs, and emergency response activities, and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Annual and sick leave.
• Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year.
• State Group Insurance options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance.
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Tuition waivers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed