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 Public Health Dental Hygienist (PHDH) is an actively licensed dental hygienist in the state of Illinois who may operate under the definition of “public health supervision.” Public health supervision is defined by the Illinois Dental Practice Act as: The supervision of a public health dental hygienist by a licensed dentist who has a written public health supervision agreement with that public health dental hygienist while working in an approved facility or program that allows the public health dental hygienist to treat patients, without a dentist first examining the patient and being present in the facility during treatment, (1) who are eligible for Medicaid or (2) who are uninsured and whose household income is not greater than 300% of the federal poverty level. Individual accountabilities and work volume will be established through the development of annual Success Objectives and annual Performance Evaluations, within the framework outlined below. This role supports Heartland Alliance Health’s mission to transform healthcare for the most vulnerable—particularly people experiencing homelessness, mental illness or addictions, or struggling with multiple chronic illnesses—by delivering preventive oral health services to promote health equity and community well-being.

Requirements

Degree from an accredited dental hygiene school required; must possess RDH certification and an active (in good standing) Dental Hygienist License in the State of Illinois; must also possess certification, in the state of Illinois, as a Public Health Hygienist. Must remain in good standing as a Public Health Hygienist.
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.

Responsibilities

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 Only upon successful completion of a training program approved by the licensing body
Perform duties under “public health supervision” not requiring the dentist to be present within the facility or location of care including, but not limited to: i. Oral Prophylaxis (dental cleaning) ii. Application of Fluoride iii. Placement of Sealants iv. Placement of SDF v. Exposure and processing of x-rays to teeth and surrounding structures vi. Any Procedures performed by a Dental Assistant
Provide care as outlined by the public health supervision agreement between Heartland Alliance Health and the Public Health Hygienist.
Provide coordinated and continuous primary dental care to clients that spans the health continuum by mutual goal setting and planning delivery of 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 joint practice protocol development and identifying indicators for quality care; developing joint 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 assistants or provide dental assisting duties to assist with clinical care
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
Acts as a preceptor and provides onboarding, orientation, and training to new dental personnel, dental assistants, interns, and volunteers on dental hygiene procedures, protocols, infection control, and clinic operations.
Offers mentorship, coaching, and ongoing guidance to support the professional development and skill growth of team members and trainees.
Collaborates with dental assistants during chairside assistance to support proper execution of oral hygiene-related procedures, ensure patient safety, and maintain efficient clinical workflow.
Serves as a consultant and resource for specialized patient populations, sharing expertise with other dental care providers and community partners.
Contributes to team performance by identifying training needs, providing feedback, and supporting quality improvement initiatives.