Dental Hygienist - PRN/As Needed

Utah Navajo Health System•Blanding, UT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Utah Navajo Health System, Inc. is looking for a hard-working, dedicated Dental Hygienist to work full time in Monument Valley, Utah. We are a large company with 4 medical and 5 dental clinics spread throughout beautiful San Juan County. San Juan County is the perfect place for an outdoor adventurer or anyone wanting a break from buildings and pavement. Hiking, biking, ATV riding, and breathtaking views are all close at hand. You will be working in an area rich in a variety of cultures and people. We know there is someone out there that will make an excellent addition to our dental team to help increase availability of dental hygiene care in our area. Someone who gets along well with others, is thorough and efficient, can follow company procedures, and has amazing customer service.

Requirements

Must be a licensed Dental Hygienist in the State of Utah, or able to transfer licensure to Utah.
Ability to communicate in Navajo is preferred, but not required.
Must be able to work well with others
Have an excellent work history and customer service mindset
Ability to effectively use computer systems and learn software applications required for dental operations.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in English with patients, families, coworkers, and providers.
Ability to perform dental radiographs in accordance with applicable requirements and demonstrated competency.
Ability to respond appropriately during medical emergencies within the employee's training.
Ability to fluently read, write, and speak English.
Navajo language proficiency preferred.
General mathematical skills required.
Ability to follow instructions, prioritize responsibilities, exercise sound judgment, and creatively solve problems.
Ability to interact professionally and courteously with patients, families, coworkers, managers, administration, and Dental Providers.
General computer proficiency required.
Ability to use Google Workspace and other standard office applications.
Ability to learn and utilize the current electronic dental record and other software required by UNHS.
MMR (Measles Rubeola, Mumps, Rubella): Documentation of two MMR vaccines (OR) Documentation of MMR titers.
Complete Hepatitis B vaccine series (3 doses), documented proof of titers indicating immunity, or a declination that may be signed upon arrival.
Proof of up-to-date PPD skin testing, if previously negative (OR) Proof of positive PPD skin test with the most recent chest x-ray and treatment history.
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap).
Varicella titers, history of varicella or varicella immunization series.
Influenza vaccine for the current year.
COVID-19 vaccine
Any other vaccinations as requested.

Nice To Haves

Dental assisting certification.
Previous dental assisting or dental hygiene support experience.
Experience working in a dental or healthcare environment.

Responsibilities

Assist Dental Hygienists with patients scheduled for assisted hygiene, including seating patients, preparing treatment areas, taking radiographs, and charting as directed.
Obtain and accurately document patient medical and dental histories and vital signs.
Assist Dental Hygienists and Dentists with patient preparation and clinical workflow.
Provide reassurance, support, and appropriate patient education before, during, and after dental treatment.
Educate patients regarding oral hygiene, plaque control, preventive care, and other instructions within the scope of the position.
Polish teeth and apply fluoride or other preventive coatings when appropriately trained and permitted within applicable scope and organizational policy.
Assist Dental Providers in the management of medical or dental emergencies as directed.
Obtain and maintain required Utah dental radiology certification.
Perform dental radiographic procedures under the direction of a licensed Dentist in accordance with applicable requirements.
Properly position patients and imaging equipment to obtain diagnostic-quality dental radiographs.
Process, label, document, and maintain radiographic images appropriately.
Complete and maintain required radiology competency documentation.
Follow all established infection prevention and control protocols to maintain a clean and safe dental environment.
Clean, disinfect, sterilize, package, and store instruments according to applicable standards and manufacturer instructions.
Clean and disinfect treatment rooms, dental equipment, work surfaces, and patient care areas between patients.
Follow OSHA requirements, UNHS infection prevention procedures, and applicable dental safety standards.
Utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work practices at all times.
Assist with maintaining accurate and current patient clinical records.
Document medical histories, treatment information, progress notes, and other clinical data as directed.
Ensure documentation is complete and accurate to support continuity of care, billing, regulatory compliance, and legal requirements.
Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and UNHS policies.
Assist with maintaining dental and hygiene equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of dental equipment as assigned.
Promptly report malfunctioning or damaged equipment to the appropriate supervisor.
Assist with monitoring supply levels and maintaining adequate inventory for hygiene operations.
Assist with ordering, stocking, organizing, and rotating supplies.
Monitor supplies for expiration dates and remove expired or damaged items in accordance with departmental procedures.
Work closely with Dental Hygienists, Dentists, Dental Assistants, and front office personnel to support efficient patient care and smooth hygiene scheduling.
Communicate effectively regarding patient needs, scheduling concerns, equipment needs, supplies, and clinical workflow.
Support department productivity while maintaining patient safety and quality standards.
Provide professional, courteous, and patient-centered customer service.
Follow all applicable federal, state, regulatory, HIPAA, OSHA, and UNHS requirements.
Maintain all required certifications, competencies, and training.
Participate in departmental training, meetings, quality improvement activities, and competency assessments.
Perform additional duties, projects, and assignments reasonably related to the position as directed by Dental leadership or UNHS Administration.
Provide chairside assistance during dental procedures.
Prepare patients for treatment and set up instruments, materials, and treatment areas.
Apply topical anesthetic when permitted by applicable law, policy, and demonstrated competency.
Assist the Dentist during procedures by passing instruments, providing suction, preparing materials, and maintaining patient comfort.
Take preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations when appropriately trained and authorized.
Fabricate temporary crowns or restorations when permitted and competent to do so.
Perform dental laboratory duties such as pouring, trimming, and polishing study casts.
Fabricate custom impression trays from preliminary impressions.
Clean and polish removable dental appliances.
Use digital dental technology to scan, transmit, or print dental laboratory cases.
Provide postoperative instructions as directed or prescribed by the Dentist.
Supports efficient hygiene schedule workflow.
Maintains accurate and timely patient documentation.
Maintains radiology certification and competency requirements.
Consistently follows infection prevention and sterilization standards.
Demonstrates safe use and maintenance of dental equipment.
Maintains appropriate inventory and identifies expired or damaged supplies.
Provides excellent patient education and customer service.
Demonstrates effective communication and teamwork.
Maintains compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, UNHS policies, and applicable dental requirements.
Successfully completes assigned competencies and required training.
Perform tasks, projects, and assignments reasonably related to the position as directed by Dental leadership, UNHS Management, or UNHS Administration.
Maintain professional conduct consistent with the expectations of a healthcare and dental organization.
Treat patients, coworkers, providers, leadership, and others with professionalism, dignity, courtesy, and respect.
Maintain strict confidentiality of patient, employee, business, and organizational information.
Comply with HIPAA, OSHA, infection prevention standards, applicable dental requirements, and UNHS policies and procedures.
Work cooperatively and professionally with all UNHS employees and departments.
Complete assigned duties accurately, diligently, and within established timeframes.
Follow established UNHS communication and chain-of-command procedures.
Check UNHS email and other assigned communication systems regularly and respond within appropriate timeframes.
Refrain from releasing confidential, proprietary, protected, or restricted UNHS information through social media, other media, or to unauthorized individuals or organizations.
Maintain all required certifications, competencies, and training.
Support the mission, vision, and values of Utah Navajo Health System, Inc.