Dental Hygienist

Definition

Under general supervision from the Chief Dentist, the dental hygienist will provide oral care such as debridement, hand scaling and regular cleanings to patients and provide them with information to assist with developing and maintaining good oral health . This is treated as an Exempt.

Essential Functions: Essential functions may vary among positions and may include the following tasks and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Examples of Tasks

Completes preliminary dental examinations on new dental patients. Reviews patient's medical and dental history for evidence of past and present conditions such as medical illnesses and use of drugs which may complicate or alter dental hygiene treatment. Examines the teeth and surrounding tissues for evidence of plaque and periodontal disease and charts findings. Inspects the mouth and throat for evidence of disease such as oral cancer. Interprets routine x-rays to identify tooth structures, calculus, and abnormalities such as cavities and deep periodontal pockets.

Develops and implements individualized dental care plans for patients. Assesses the nature and extent of dental, periodontics and associated conditions and pathology in dental outpatients and assesses dental condition and needs of patient by analyzing medical records and prescribed protocol to formulate effective therapeutic treatment plans.

Documents dental history or chief complaint of patient; records and reports pertinent observations and patient reactions to dental staff, as appropriate. Documents lab procedures and ensures follow up on results.

Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment of patients; independently performs emergency dental procedures.

Sets up and prepares dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines. Exposes, develops and processes radiographs on patients including bite wing, periapical and panoramic x-rays. Adjusts voltage, amperage, and timing of x-ray equipment. Selects type of radiograph that will be necessary for patient's mouth. Positions film and machine to ensure coverage of area to be x-rayed. Mounts and labels x-rays.

Prepares reports and assists as required with patient reception, telephone calls, routine triage and other office duties. Performs patient education, discharge planning and patient/family teaching under the supervision of a qualified dentist

Performs other job-related duties as assigned to maintain and enhance departmental operation.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics:

• Knowledge of the culture, customs, traditions, history and government of the Salt River Pima- Maricopa Indian Community.
• Knowledge of principles of dental hygiene, dental surgery and associated tasks in a small high-volume dental office environment.

• Ability to communicate and maintain effective working relationships with healthcare personnel in order to provide quality care
• Ability to meet and comply with HIPAA/Confidentiality policies and procedures and ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive patient information
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to manage multiple and diverse people and tasks in stressful situations.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and use good judgment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Associate's degree from accredited dental hygiene program required (Bachelor's preferred).
• Experience: Two (2) years' full-time equivalent experience as a dental hygienist and knowledge of established (federal, state, etc.) regulations and guidelines for the provision of services required.

• Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that would allow the candidate to satisfactorily perform the duties of this position, will be considered.

• Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill.

Special Requirements

• Employees in, and applicants applying for, jobs providing direct services to children are subject to the "Community Code of Ordinances", Chapter 11, "Minors", Article X. "Investigation of Persons Working With Children".
  
• Current/Valid dental hygienist license.
• Incumbent must be certified as radiographers in their field.
• Incumbent must obtain/maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate.
• Applicants must submit to a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination/medical history check
• Employee may be required to submit to an annual Tuberculosis (TB) and Rubella screening

Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check. Employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

"SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer" Preference will be given to a qualified : Community Member Veteran, Community Member, Spouse of Community Member, qualified Native American, and then other qualified candidate.

In order to obtain preference, the following is required: 1) Qualified Community Member Veteran (DD-214) will be required at the time of application submission 2) Qualified Community Member (must provide Tribal I.D at time of application submission),3) Spouse of a Community Member (Marriage License/certificate and spouse Tribal ID or CIB is required at time of application submission), and 4) Native American (Tribal ID or CIB required at time of application submission).

Documents may be submitted by one of the following methods:

1) attach to application

2) fax (480) 362-5860

3) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources.

Documentation must be received by position closing date.

The IHS/BIA Form-4432 is not accepted .

Your Tribal ID/CIB must be submitted to HR-Recruitment-Two Waters.