Registered Dental Hygienist - RDH

Multnomah County • Portland, OR

1d • $49 - $61 • Onsite

About The Position

An Integrated Clinical Services (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. The dental hygienist is an integral member of the dental program and participates in many aspects of clinical operations, including disease control, prevention, sterilization, as well as infection control, scheduling, evaluating and improving workflows, among other duties. Creates a work culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse populations the Health Department serves in the office and in the community. Every employee shares the responsibility for promptly bringing to the County's attention conduct that interferes with providing a work environment free of illegal discrimination and harassment.

Requirements

• Registered Dental Hygiene license issued by the State of Oregon (including a local anesthesia permit).
• Nitrous oxide permit - must be obtained within 1 year of hire, then maintained throughout the duration of employment
• BLS CPR certification required.
• Equivalent to an Associate’s Degree, AND one to four years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Application Packet: You must submit all requested items below. Failure to do so will be deemed as an incomplete application.
• Attach a Resume demonstrating you meeting minimum qualifications; AND
• Attach a Cover Letter addressing the following: Demonstrate your experience working with diverse vulnerable populations; and How you meet the qualifications for this position; and Why you are interested in the position

Nice To Haves

• Dental Hygiene Expanded practice permit

Responsibilities

• Provide direct dental hygiene clinical treatment and education in oral health maintenance and prevention to dental clinic patients or the community.
• Develop and implement an individual preventive oral health program for clinic patients and other interested individuals and organizations.
• Provide clinical dental hygiene services, including prophylaxis, debridement, scaling and root planning, complete periodontal charting and periodontal treatment, as well as 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 according to patients’ needs including but not limited to the administration of nitrous oxide when appropriate.
• Educate patients on preventive dental actions that improve dental and overall health of patient, to include practical and physical demonstration of best brushing and cleaning methods, new techniques or products that help for better cleaning and maintenance of teeth and mouth health, and provide written materials as an avenue to reinforce best oral health techniques.
• Demonstrate and teach oral hygiene methods and develop individual prevention plan for each client that considers the patient’s physical, mental and emotional skills and/or limitations.
• Prescribe fluoride and antimicrobial solutions.
• Provide triage for emergencies to improve patient flow and respond to emergency situations of patients in clinic or presenting for services.
• Consult with dentists for patient care and complex medical history or in-person needs. Consult for referrals for specialized care or services beyond those provided in clinics or at another County location.
• Coordinate with Dental Scheduler on needed treatment and scheduling of appointment(s), etc. Dental hygienists may provide guidance to dental/hygiene students.
• Oversee, maintain, and support strict asepsis controls to prevent transmission of communicable diseases before/during/after patient care according to county safety standards and protocols; maintain strict control over the disposal of toxic materials.
• To have ample equipment available for patient care, hygienists are expected to work in central sterilization, including processing and sterilizing instruments for all providers, according to the dental protocol for instrument sterilization.
• Complete dental/periodontal charting in a timely manner.
• Maintain a safe workplace according to county safety and health protocols (training to be provided).
• All employees will incorporate safe work practices with each task performed and actively participate in initiatives designed to promote a safe work environment.
• Meet productivity goals to maintain patient access and the fiscal sustainability of the dental program, and monitor work accordingly.
• Plan patient care processes, time for education and answering of patient questions, charting and other documentation requirements, confer with dentists and other team members for needed patient follow-up or unusual situations, and other team functions as needed.
• 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 based on changing demand, culture, etc.

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