DENTAL HYGIENIST

Job Summary Dental Hygienist (Full‑time, in‑office) in the Dental Unit of the St. Lucie County Health Department. Provides dental hygiene services, preventive and educational programs in clinic, outreach and school settings, and assists with sealant programs and temporary site coverage as needed. Responsibilities Remove calculus deposits and stains; perform gingival curettage and root planing. Pre‑assess and chart suspected findings in the oral cavity. Take vital signs and record procedures in the treatment record. Place, expose, process, and mount dental radiographic film. Assist dentists in procedures (four‑handed dentistry), preparing trays, hand‑ordering instruments, and preparing restorative materials. Place temporary fillings, remove sutures, polish restorative and crown appliances, and apply pit‑and‑fissure sealants under dentist supervision. Maintain inventory of materials and instruments; sterilize equipment per infection‑control, OSHA, and department guidelines. Instruct patients on oral hygiene and supervise patient oral‑hygiene practices. Ensure compliance with Department of Health and Dental security and confidentiality rules. Maintain required paperwork: review encounter forms, submit clinic reports and travel invoices on time. Perform other related duties and temporary assignments to additional clinic sites as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of dental hygiene and public‑health principles, practices, and techniques. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and colleagues. Ability to plan, evaluate services, and organize work assignments. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Proficient in computer software applications. Qualifications Minimum Licensed Dental Hygienist (Florida) as required by Chapter 468 of the Florida Statutes. Preferred Experience in school‑based or community outreach dental programs. Benefits Annual and Sick Leave benefits. Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year. State Group Insurance coverage options (health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental). Retirement plan with employer contributions. Location St. Lucie County, Florida (Denver: St. Lucie County, Florida; Fort Pierce, Florida) Equal Opportunity & Other Legal Statements The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Dark, Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation must notify the hiring authority in advance. The successful candidate will complete Form I‑9, which will be verified using the E‑Verify system. The position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. #J-18808-Ljbffr