Registered Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist

Site of Service: Naval Hospital Bremerton, WA

May receive notification 48 hours prior to reassignment to another location within a forty (40) mile commuting radius.

Position Qualification/Requirements:

• Education: Associates Degree or Bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene
• Accreditation: Successful completion of a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association (ADA)
• Certifications:
• Successfully Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). In rare circumstances at MTFs in foreign countries, foreign trained RDHs who have not completed the NBDHE can be credentialed on a case-by-case basis based on demonstrated evidence of current competency.
• Radiology
• Cardiac Certifications: Must have the following hands-on certification through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Experience: Shall have two years of experience
• Licensure: Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice as a Dental Hygienist in any one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• U.S. Citizenship: Shall be a U.S. citizen
• English Language Requirement: Shall be able to read, write, speak and understand English well enough to effectively communicate with all patients and other health care providers.
• Physical Capability: Shall be physically capable of standing and/or sitting for extended periods of time and physically capable of performing all services required under the contract.

Duties:

Examine patient's oral cavity to include mouth, throat, and pharynx, and record conditions of teeth and surrounding tissues. Refer patients to dentist who have abnormalities to include cavities, defective fillings, suspicious growths, or periodontal disease.

Performs advanced prophylactic and preventive dentistry procedures in the treatment of patients with related medical and dental problems. The Dental Hygienist performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by a dentist in accordance with state regulations and law.

Performs various advanced dental prophylaxis and provides therapeutic care in cases of acute gingivitis and periodontal disease around natural teeth, dental implants, and the periodontium using a variety of hand scale instruments and ultrasound equipment. Administers local anesthesia by infiltration when authorized and credentialed with proper licensing under the direct supervision of a Dental Officer. Applies prescribed medications to tissue on ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients, using knowledge of dental oral anatomy, physiology and histology. Performs deep scaling, root planning, and sub-gingival curettage under local anesthesia. Takes intra-oral impressions to prepare study models. Removes overhanging margins on fillings, reduces sharp edges of fractured teeth, polishes and finishes amalgam restoration. Removes sutures, changes dressings, and applies topical anesthetics.

Apply desensitizing and other topical agents to treat abnormalities to include caries prevention, gingivitis and oral ulceration.

Instruct patients, individually and in groups, in proper oral hygiene care using materials to include teeth models, displays, slides, toothbrushes, dental floss, disclosing tablets and mirrors. Demonstrate proper techniques of brushing, flossing, and use of necessary periodontal aids. Explain the common causes of tooth decay and its relationship to general diet.

Take impressions and construct sports/safety mouth guards and soft night guards for vital bleaching.

Polish restorations and apply pit and fissure sealants.

Chair side dental assisting when directed by the Officer-In-Charge of the dental clinic.

Record patients treated. Check and maintain instruments to insure working condition. Clean, sharpen, and sterilize instruments.

Work requires the performance of various advanced and specialized prophylactic and preventive dental hygiene procedures. Treatment is complicated by patients having additional medical and dental problems. The hygienist creates a treatment plan necessary according to the medical and dental needs of the patients. The hygienist must look for mouth sores, dryness, and tenderness that may require special rinses, and observe for any signs of cavities. Regular follow-up treatment and home care instructions are also necessary.

Patient Workload, Readiness, and Scheduling. Utilizes the Corporate Dental Application to enter patient specific workload and readiness status and also for patient scheduling.

Hours:

Services shall be provided Monday through Friday, between the hours of 0630 – 1630 hours.

Base Down Days:

During a planned closure of the facility due to training, closures before or after holidays family down days, Employee will only be compensated for the actual hours worked. If clinic is closed and employee is not able to work, employee will be required to use leave or take LWOP (without penalty).

Special Requirements/Skills:

Must be comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Must be able and willing to reprioritize on short notice and work on multiple simultaneous projects. Flexible and able to work with various personalities. Team work skills required. Time management skills required. The ability to meet deadlines in a deadline intensive environment is essential. High level of adaptability and willingness to embrace change in a fast-paced, demanding environment.

LUKE is an Equal Opportunity employer