Public Health Dental Hygienist

Heartland Alliance Health•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Heartland Alliance Health’s (HAH) mission is to transform healthcare for the most vulnerable – particularly people experiencing homelessness, mental illness or addictions, or struggling with multiple chronic illnesses – improving health for all and the well-being of our community. The Dental Hygienist, under differing levels of supervision, will provide dental health care services that include cleaning, polishing, and providing preventative instructions and treatments. The Dental Hygienist may also provide chairside assistance as needed. Individual accountabilities and work volume will be established through the development of annual Success Objectives and annual Performance Evaluations, within the framework outlined below.

Requirements

Minimum Associate’s degree (A.A.) from an accredited dental hygiene school required; must possess RDH certification and Active Dental Hygienist License; minimum one year related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Reasoning Skills: High reasoning ability; ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange; Windows operating systems; and other software routinely used by Heartland Alliance Health.
A minimum of one year hygiene experience.
Able and willing to provide services to individuals who are experiencing homelessness and individuals who have HIV.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in handling specialty referrals, maintaining dental records, charting and documentations is preferred.
Team players with the ability to multitask and have strong communication, computer, and customer service skills are desired.

Responsibilities

Perform duties under “general supervision” which requires a previous exam within 12 months by a treating dentist but does not require the dentist to be present within the facility or location of care including, but not limited to: Oral Prophylaxis (dental cleaning)
Application of Fluoride
Placement of Sealants
Placement of SDF
Exposure and processing of x-rays to teeth and surrounding structures
Any Procedures performed by a Dental Assistant
Perform the following duties under “supervision” requiring the dentist to be present within the facility or location of care including, but not limited to: i. Administration of Local Anesthetic
Provide coordinated and continuous primary dental care to clients that spans the health continuum by mutual goal setting and planning delivery of care
Provide dental health teaching and counseling that provides a therapeutic and caring relationship
Collaborate with other multi-disciplinary professionals and community agencies to provide high quality care
Coordinate services in conjunction with other team members to meet clients primary dental health care needs and to ensure the continuity of care
Participate in quality assurance activities through protocol development and collaborative peer review by: assisting in join practice protocol development and identifying indicators for quality care; developing join practice protocols and identifying appropriate evaluative criteria, evaluating clinical standards of care based on the quality assurance process; implements recommended changes and/or improvements to guarantee quality of care based on the evaluation process
Assumes the responsibility for professional development and contributes to the professional growth of others by: developing in-depth knowledge of daily program operations, policies and procedures; acting as a preceptor in the orientation of new dental care personnel, interns and volunteers; serving as a consultant in specialized populations to other dental care providers and community agencies.
Review patient’s medical and dental history and identify any immediate or urgent needs
Discuss with patient oral hygiene instructions that includes an obtainable plan for the patient’s needs. Identify obstacles and teach patients how to prevent dental disease. Dispense proper oral hygiene aids
Maintain patient dental charts, including periodontal charting and proper documentation
Take acceptable radiographs when necessary
Stock required supplies and maintain equipment
Work in coordination with the management to develop and implement a quality assurance program
Demonstrate proficient skills in dental prophylaxis and proper use of equipment.
May need to support dental assistant as needed
Adheres to professional standards as outlined by governmental bodies, the ADA, the ADHA, private funding sources, Agency plans/policies and unit guidelines. Must keep license.
Promote the development of clinical policies and data collection
Other duties as assigned or required