Registered Dental Hygienist

Registered Dental Hygienist

This job exists to: Provide high quality dental care that is culturally appropriate and prevention focused. Serves as a leader contributing to the smooth, efficient, operation of the department, the site and the organization.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Maintain own dental hygienist practice as defined by the Clinica guidelines.
• Screening and evaluating patients in regard to caries risk, periodontal pathology, medical history.
• Providing clinical services, including selecting, exposing, and processing of digital radiographs, prophylaxes, supra and sub gingival scaling and curettage, root planning, procedures involving team periodontal surgical techniques, according to Clinica's guidelines.
• Providing preventive clinical and educational services, including instruction of proper oral hygiene home care techniques, tooth brushing, flossing, nutrition, need for professional care, and topical fluorides.
• Administration of local anesthetics and gross debridement in treatment of acute periodontal conditions.
• Performance of expanded duties where qualified, as delegated by dentist and governed by Colorado law.
• Primarily responsible for the initiation and maintenance of the dental prevention and dental education program in an integrated medical setting, working with both medical and dental team members for coordination.
• Accurately and appropriately assess caries risk, application of fluoride treatments, and dissemination of oral health education to parents and children in the medical setting in one-on-one visits or in group visits. Identification of and assistance in patient establishment of a dental home.
• Travel between medical and dental clinic sites may be required. Maximize community linkages while acting as advocate for patients.
• Exhibits positive leadership skills, actively striving to improve the patient and staff experience of Clinica, as well as strong communication skills, including willingness to grow and develop skills in motivational interviewing.
• Effective use of the electronic dental record (EDR), registries, dental radiology, and templates.
• Work in coordination with dentists, other dental team members, and medical team members to effectively manage patient care and develop clinical guidelines within scope of dental hygiene practice.

Site with opening: Clinica Family Health and Wellness, All Sites, CO

Hiring organization: Clinica Family Health and Wellness

Practice highlights: For more than 40 years, Clinica Family Health has existed to provide health care to the low-income and struggling members of our community. Young or old, people of any race or ethnicity—we are here to provide them with exceptional health care.

Community highlights: The Lafayette/Boulder region is considered by outdoor enthusiasts to be one of the most attractive in the US as residents enjoy year-round activities such as skiing, fishing and hiking. The area is home to a major research university, the University of Colorado, Boulder and possesses a wealth of artistic and cultural resources such as museums, live performance theaters and the like.

Position qualifications: Graduation from an accredited School of Dental Hygiene. Possession of a current Colorado license as a registered dental hygienist. Previous experience desired, but not required. Certification to administer local anesthesia (not required for those who provide hygiene only on the Pods). Working knowledge of all phases of the field of dental hygiene. Skill in the techniques of oral hygiene procedures and the use of equipment, instruments, and materials. Knowledge and practice of preventative dentistry and ability to instruct patients individually and in groups. Sensitivity to low income and ethnic minority community a must. Excellent coaching skills. Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

Working environment and physical activities: Risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens. Dental operatory and equipment as well as usual office environment. Ability to travel from clinic to clinic in own vehicle as required. Hygienists must be able/willing to drive from/spend time in both our on-site dental clinics in Adams County and our Boulder County medical sites. One evening per week is required. May require work outside of normal business hours.

What we offer: Competitive PTO time (4 weeks) Paid holidays Medical benefits Dental benefits Vision plan Retirement plan Flexible spending account Growth opportunities Continuing medical education (CME) One professional membership All fees associated with your license, DEA, board certification, etc. are covered by Clinica FTCA malpractice insurance Colorado health service corps and national health service corps loan repayment potential Potential for relocation assistance Compensation: Approximately $73,713 - $93,378 per year. All individual pay rates are calculated based on the candidate's experience and internal equity. COVID-19 vaccine (required) Religious or medical exemptions available via application process. Clinica Family Health is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.