Expanded Practice Dental Hygienist - Fernhill Clinic

Multnomah County • Portland, OR

19h • Onsite

About The Position

This dental hygienist position qualifies for Loan Repayment Options. At the Multnomah County Health Department, the mission is to work with communities to advance health equity, protect the most vulnerable, and promote health and wellness for everyone. The organization upholds values of Compassion and Care, Empowerment, Racial Equity, Creativity, and Integrity, fostering a culture of respect, trust, and understanding for the diverse population served. The Integrated Clinical Systems (ICS) Dental Hygienist provides direct periodontal and dental hygiene treatment and education in oral health maintenance and disease prevention to dental clinic patients and the community. This role is an integral part of the dental program, participating in clinical operations such as disease control, prevention, sterilization, infection control, scheduling, and workflow evaluation and improvement. The position requires creating a work culture of respect, trust, and understanding for diverse populations and promptly reporting conduct that interferes with a work environment free of illegal discrimination and harassment.

Requirements

• Attach a Resume demonstrating you meeting minimum qualifications
• Attach a Cover Letter addressing: Demonstrate your experience working with diverse vulnerable populations; and How you meet the qualifications for this position; and expands on your resume, addressing why you are interested in this position and demonstrating how your experience and skill set align with the minimum and preferred qualifications listed.
• Associate’s Degree (Equivalent)
• Dental Hygienist License issued by the State of Oregon with Local Anesthesia Endorsement (OR Board of Dentistry)
• BLS CPR Certification (American Heart Association or similar agency)
• Dental Hygiene Expanded practice permit (OR Board of Dentistry)

Nice To Haves

• Nitrous oxide permit - must be obtained within 1 year of hire, then maintained throughout the duration of employment (OR Board of Dentistry)

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical dental hygiene services, including prophylaxis, debridement, scaling and root planning, complete periodontal charting and periodontal treatment.
• Administer topical and local anesthetic, expose and mount dental radiographs, place dental sealants, apply fluoride varnish, evaluate and record blood pressure, review and sign paper medical history and proper chart documentation.
• Address dental anxiety, including the administration of nitrous oxide when appropriate.
• Educate patients on preventive dental actions to improve dental and overall health, including practical demonstrations of brushing and cleaning methods, new techniques or products, and providing written materials.
• Demonstrate and teach oral hygiene methods and develop individual prevention plans considering patient's physical, mental, and emotional skills and/or limitations.
• Prescribe fluoride and antimicrobial solutions.
• Provide triage for emergencies and respond to emergency situations.
• Consult with dentists for patient care, complex medical history, or in-person needs.
• Consult for referrals for specialized care or services beyond those provided in clinics.
• Coordinate with Dental Scheduler on needed treatment and scheduling of appointments.
• Provide guidance to dental/hygiene students.
• Oversee, maintain, and support strict asepsis controls to prevent transmission of communicable diseases according to county safety standards and protocols.
• Maintain strict control over the disposal of toxic materials.
• Work in central sterilization, including processing and sterilizing instruments for all providers, according to dental protocol.
• Complete dental/periodontal charting in a timely manner.
• Maintain a safe workplace according to county safety and health protocols.
• Meet productivity goals to maintain patient access and fiscal sustainability of the dental program.
• Plan patient care processes, time for education, charting, and other documentation requirements.
• Confer with dentists and other team members for needed patient follow-up or unusual situations.
• Track and report on patient and service demographics.
• Participate in team or committee meetings for service planning, improvements, or changes needed to provide dental services.
• Exhibit teamwork and work in a culturally sensitive fashion.
• Follow direction from supervisors, including Program Supervisors, Dental Program Manager, Dental Senior Manager, Dental Director, and Deputy Dental Director.
• Provide indirect supervision of Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDA’s), including requesting assistance with periodontal charting, taking radiographs, sterilizing instruments, and other duties as expected of an EFDA.
• Relate to other employees in a courteous, respectful, and professional manner.
• Encourage team unity through sharing information, working collaboratively, productive problem solving, and seeking input from others.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• employer-funded retirement savings
• health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents
• paid parental leave
• wellness programs
• a focus on work-life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree