Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist

Under the supervision of the Oral Health Team Supervisor, provides preventative oral health services for underserved children of Ottawa County. Services are provided on a 40-foot mobile dental unit called Miles of Smiles and in the school setting with portable equipment. This position communicates and coordinates with volunteers, school administrators, and other collaborative agencies. In addition to clinical services, the dental hygienist performs administrative duties and educational outreach. Maintenance of the mobile dental unit and portable equipment is also part of the job responsibilities. This is a part-time, benefited position working out of the James Street Complex located at 12251 James Street, Holland, MI and various locations within the community. The typical work schedule will be working 32 hours per week. The hours will be 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening hours. The pay range for the position is $56,253 - $73,137 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. In addition to base pay, Ottawa County offers a comprehensive total compensation package which includes health, dental and vision insurance, retirement benefits, and paid time off. The estimated total compensation value of this position is $108,000, reflecting base pay and employer-paid benefits.

Essential Job Functions

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides comprehensive preventive dental hygiene services to children in mobile and school-based settings, including oral health assessments, digital radiography, early intervention for dental disease, pit and fissure sealant applications and patient education.
• Performs administrative functions, prepares charts, reviews eligibility status, creates schedules and records treatment data.
• Schedules and provides work direction for volunteers and dental hygiene students.
• Orders and stocks the mobile unit with all required instruments, equipment, and operating supplies for each site visit.
• Develops and provides oral health presentations for children in Ottawa County.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Training and Experience

Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program combined with a preferred three years of clinical experience. Licenses and Certifications: Must possess and maintain valid State of Michigan Dental Hygienist license. Must have a valid Michigan driver's license in good standing.

Additional Requirements and Information

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Thorough working knowledge of methods and techniques used in dental hygiene.
• Thorough working knowledge of standard practices and procedures for applying preventive fluoride varnish and pit and fissure sealant materials to teeth.
• Thorough working knowledge of the terminology, materials, equipment, and instruments used in dentistry.
• Working knowledge of dental radiograph techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of public health practices and techniques and principles.
• Good working knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements including the Michigan Public Health Code, OSHA/MIOSHA rules and regulations for oral health practitioners, bloodborne pathogens protocols and HIPPA.
• Thorough working knowledge of medical ethical practice standards.
• Computer literacy, including good user knowledge of word-processing, spreadsheet and database management applications software and Internet search engines.
• Ability to interact positively with patients and their families, co-workers, oral health care practitioners, school administrators and staff, community representatives, and members of the public from widely diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and with varying levels of interpersonal and communications skills.

Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Physical Requirements: Must have sufficient manual dexterity to operate radiology equipment and use dental instruments. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 40 lbs in order to stock and set up mobile oral health unit examination rooms. Working Conditions: Work is performed on the Miles of Smiles bus or in schools throughout the county. Delivery of prophylactic oral health care to patients entails the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other disease vectors. Employee must frequently set-up and tear-down equipment.