Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)

Job Description: Role Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) Location Echo Cliffs, AZ Duration Full- time (Direct Hire) Pay Range $80,935.50 - $117,356.48 Yearly
This is a grant-funded position supported by the Diabetes Grant and is contingent upon renewal of the grant at Echo Cliffs Health Center.
The primary responsibility of the Registered Dental Hygienist is to provide clinical periodontal therapy and oral hygiene instruction to dental patients with Type I, Type II Diabetes, or pre-diabetes , under the general supervision of staff dentists and dental specialists within a dental public health framework.

The incumbent will:

• Act as a liaison between the Dental Program and Diabetes Program
• Sit on the Diabetes Committee when requested
• Perform dental screenings
• Generate quarterly activity reports
• Organize dental examination days for diabetic patients at Echo Cliffs Health Center
• Provide presentations and demonstrations to both staff and community members

The incumbent must be able to perform all essential functions proficiently and willingly.

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS
Education

• Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

Certifications & Licensure

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (minimum 90 days post-hire and maintained throughout employment)
• Active licensure as a Dental Hygienist in a U.S. State, Territory, or the District of Columbia
• Certification to administer local anesthesia
• Certification as a Dental Hygienist Radiographer

Other Skills and Abilities

• Documented satisfactory performance in prior employment (or positive faculty/supervisor references for new graduates)
• Demonstrated success in:
  • Positive working relationships
  • High ethical standards with no history of complaints
  • Reliability and dependability
• Proficiency with ultrasonic cleaning instruments (e.g., Piezo, Cavitron) as a primary method for calculus removal
• Basic computer skills
• Successful completion of:
  • Employment interviews
  • Background and reference checks
  • Fingerprinting, physical exams, and required screenings
• Submission of all required, accurate employment documentation

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to speak Navajo, Hopi, or San Juan Southern Paiute

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Proficient use of ultrasonic devices and hand scaling instruments
2. Provide comprehensive periodontal care including:
   • Prophylaxis
   • Scaling and root planing
   • Gross debridement
   • Oral hygiene instruction
3. Administer local anesthesia under supervision
4. Take and interpret dental radiographs
5. Apply caries prevention and desensitizing agents
6. Develop and manage a periodontal recall system
7. Develop and update oral health education materials
8. Compile statistical data and written reports
9. Test and report on dental hygiene products
10. Record and update patient medical and dental histories
11. Counsel patients on diet and oral health
12. Take and pour impressions for study models
13. Remove sutures
14. Provide in-service staff training
15. Conduct community presentations
16. Complete mandatory training and certifications
17. Maintain professional knowledge through workshops and courses
18. Perform dental charting for exams and treatment planning
19. Use Electronic Dental Records (EDR) and Electronic Health Records (EHR)
20. Enter patient service data electronically
21. Ensure proper PPE usage at all times
22. Proper use of N95 masks, face shields, gloves, gowns as required
23. Safely complete donning and doffing procedures
24. Perform other related duties as assigned