Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist

This position is responsible for performing prophylactic and preventive dental procedures for Oyate Health Center (OHC) patients of all ages, and advanced procedures for patients diagnosed with periodontal disease.

Essential Functions:

• Plan, coordinates, conducts and evaluates preventive oral health program for various patient groups, such as pediatric, diabetic, cancer, psychiatric, geriatric, alcoholic and physically handicapped patients.
• Performs preliminary evaluations on dental patients.
• Reviews patient's medical and dental history for evidence of past and present conditions which may complicate or alter dental hygiene treatment.
• Exposes, develops and processes radiographs.
• Performs prophylaxis and root planning and scaling (RPS).
• Applies fluorides, sealants, and other preventive agents.
• Maintains patient's record of treatment, records oral conditions of the teeth and surrounding tissues, and records progress notes.
• Removes sutures and dressings.
• Administers local anesthetics, if qualified, as directed by the supervising dentist.
• Provide instructions on basic dental care or post-operative care as instructed by dentist.
• Provides clinical services and health education in the school setting.
• Conducts dental health clinics for community groups to augment services of dentist.
• Develops patient and staff training program on dental hygiene.
• Complies with federal laws and regulations as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Performs related duties.
• Performs the core responsibilities of the position accurately, timely, and in accordance with established standards. Maintains regular and reliable attendance consistent with the position's schedule and operational needs. Communicates effectively with internal and external stakeholders as required by the role. Adheres to all applicable policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Utilizes required systems, tools, and technology necessary to perform the job.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires a combination of sitting, standing, and walking throughout the workday, with prolonged periods of sitting during patient care. The role requires frequent use of hands and fingers for precise, repetitive movements while performing dental hygiene procedures. The employee must be able to maintain static and sometimes awkward positions, including bending, reaching, and twisting. Visual acuity is required for close detail work, including oral assessment. The employee must be able to communicate effectively, including speaking clearly and hearing and understanding patients and team members. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required. Work is performed in a clinical environment with exposure to biological hazards, requiring adherence to safety and infection control protocols.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree, or Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene and experience in the occupational field, sufficient to understand the major duties of the position, and to be able to answer questions and resolve problems.
• Completion of radiation safety course.
• Licensed as a Dental Hygienist by any US State or Territory.
• Current BLS certification.
• Must successfully pass a criminal and background check and a pre-employment drug screen.

Native American/American Indian Preference in hiring will be applied as defined in title 25 usc 44-46 &474.

Employment is contingent upon the outcome of all required criminal background checks and pre-employment drug screen.

Compliance with our Employee Health Procedure is a condition of employment. You are required to agree that you will comply with all job-related employee health screening and immunizations prior to your first day of employment. Jobs require that you have documentation that you have completed the following immunizations prior to your first day of employment: MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Varicella (Chicken Pox), Hepatitis B, Influenza, T-dap (Tetanus - Diphtheria - Pertussis), and COVID-19 vaccination is required.