Dental Hygienist

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Provides dental hygiene, clinical and dental health education services to individuals and families. Assist in the management of patient hygiene/prosthetic recall systems; provide Project dental in-service(s) as needed. Clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. Examine patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide other preventive dental care. Also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide dental prophylaxis; recognize, refer, treat and maintain periodontal disease cases; perform and update periodontal pocket charting as needed.
• Take intra-oral radiographs.
• Apply sealants.
• Assist in status, evaluation and referral for fluoride supplements; apply topical fluorides as needed.
• Perform oral soft tissue exam.
• While performing prophylaxis, clinically recognize and evaluate dental treatment for referral of any problems involving oral soft and hard tissue including but not limited to soft tissue lesions, caries, loose restorations, prosthetic problems and dental pain.
• Provide appropriate dental health education (chairside and community outreach).
• Perform yearly blood pressure screening on all dental patients over eighteen (18) years of age.
• Review and update dental health history.
• Assist dental receptionist in management of patient dental recall system(s).
• Where appropriate and necessary, assist with training dental personnel and other dental office duties as assigned and learn extended duties (i.e., oral surgery assisting, etc.)
• Attend general staff meetings, dental department meetings and Indian Health Service Annual Dental Conference meetings.
• Remain current on changes in dental hygiene practice through participation in continuing education course offerings.
• Maintain current licensure.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Graduation from an accredited college/university dental hygiene program.
• Valid CA Dental Hygiene licensure and Radiation Safety Certificate.
• Hepatitis B vaccination.
• Must be sensitive and possess an awareness and keen appreciation of Indian traditions, customs, and socio-economic needs of the Indian community.
• Must be familiar with the aims and objectives of the Project and express a genuine enthusiasm for it' s success.
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certified or obtain within three months of hire.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Prior experience
• Bi-Lingual/Spanish Speaking

ALL TIHP EMPLOYEES ARE EXPECTED TO: 

• Provide the highest possible level of service to clients.
• Promote teamwork and cooperative effort among employees.
• Abide by all immunization and infection control policies.
• Maintain safe practices.
• Abide by the current and future TIHP Policies and Procedures, as they may from time to time be updated.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Sitting / Mobility: Approximately 30% of time is spent working at a desk. Balance of time (approximately 70%) is spent moving around work areas. Communication: Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, patients and members of outside agencies, in person, by telephone, and by email. Vision: Ability to view x-ray, dental records, effectively use a computer screen and interpret printed materials, memos, and other appropriate paperwork. Lifting / Carrying: Ability to occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing no more than 25 pounds. Stooping / Kneeling: Ability to access files/stock supplies in low cabinets and shelves. Reaching / Handling: Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, input information into computer systems and retrieve and work with appropriate paperwork, equipment, and supplies. Use of standard dental instruments and equipment, including dental x-ray, office equipment, computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and fax. Work is performed in a dental office/clinic environment; continuous contact with other staff and the public.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

INDIAN PREFERENCE: Preference may be given to qualified Native American Indians according to the Indian Preference Hiring Act, CFR 25 USC 472. Other than Toiyabe Indian Health Project, Inc. adheres to all provisions of the Equal Employment Opportunities Act.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: TIHP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national original, sex, religious preference, age, handicap, marital status, political preference, genetics or membership or non-membership in any employee organization, except as allowed by Federal and/or Tribal Law.

NOTICE OF DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE ACT REQUIREMENT:  TIHP is committed to maintaining a drug free and alcohol-free workplace. TIHP believes that a healthy, productive workforce free from the effects of drugs is very important to all employees and patients. Substance abuse is incompatible with the health, safety, efficiency and success of TIHP.

HIPAA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability:  This act was enacted to deal with these main areas with regard to patient information.  Uses and Disclosures for Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations (45 CFR 164.506) are also covered under this act. HIPAA

• Security of Private Health Information
• Standards of Electronic Transactions
• Privacy of individually identifiable health information
• Ready access to treatment and efficient payment for health care, both of which require use and disclosure of protected health information, are essential to the effective operation of the health care system. In addition, certain health care operations—such as administrative, financial, legal, and quality improvement activities—conducted by or for health care providers and health plans, are essential to support treatment and payment. 

DRIVING RECORD: Employees must have a valid Driver License and be insurable under THIP’s vehicle insurance program.

BACKGROUND CHECKS: All employees must be able to pass a background check per Toiyabe's Background Check Policy.

Toiyabe Indian Health Project is an At-Will Employer. Either the employee or TIHP can terminate the employment at will, without advance notice, at any time, with or without cause.

EMPLOYEE RECEIPT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I have received a copy of this approved position description.  The job duties, elements, responsibilities, skills, functions, experience, educational factors and the requirements and conditions listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that an employee may be required to perform. The Board of Directors reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and to require employees to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of its business, competitive considerations, or work environment change. I have discussed any questions I may have about this position description prior to signing this form.