Dental Hygienist

Full-Time Contract Public Health Dental Hygienist

The Lawrence County Health Department is accepting applications for a Full-Time Contract Public Health Dental Hygienist.

Under the direction of the Lawrence County Health Department (LCHD) and in accordance with Kentucky laws, regulations, and established protocols, the Public Health Dental Hygienist provides primary preventive oral health services to populations identified by the local health department and addresses access-to-care issues among Kentucky's dentally underserved populations. The position supports the expansion and operation of the Public Health Dental Hygiene (PHDH) Program serving FIVCO ADD Counties through a mobile, community-based service delivery model.

The Public Health Dental Hygienist works collaboratively with schools, Head Start centers, long-term care facilities, community organizations, and other partners to increase access to preventive oral health services for underserved children, older adults, and low-income individuals residing in rural Appalachian communities. The program is expected to provide services to approximately 2,500–3,000 individuals annually through school-based programs, early childhood centers, long-term care facilities, and community outreach activities.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Delivers preventive dental services directly within community-based settings, including schools, Head Start centers, long-term care facilities, and other approved sites.
• Performs oral health assessments and screenings.
• Provides oral health education and counseling to individuals, families, caregivers, and community groups.
• Applies fluoride varnish and dental sealants and performs other preventive procedures permitted under Kentucky law.
• Identifies and refers individuals requiring restorative or emergency dental care to appropriate providers.
• Assists in addressing barriers to oral health care, including transportation limitations, provider shortages, and socioeconomic challenges affecting rural populations.
• Maintains accurate records, documentation, and reports as required by local, state, and federal guidelines.
• Coordinates with community partners to plan and implement school-based and community outreach programs.
• Participates in health fairs, educational programs, and public health initiatives to promote oral health awareness.
• Assists with grant-related activities, data collection, program evaluation, and quality improvement efforts.
• Maintains supplies and equipment necessary for mobile and site-based service delivery.
• Complies with all infection control standards, HIPAA regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Health Department administration.

Typical working conditions and physical requirements

Work is primarily spent inside the clinic, school, or a community setting. May include a few outside events throughout the year. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. of dental equipment.

Starting Salary: $25.00/hr.

Annual Increment and Benefits

The Public Health Dental Hygiene program is a pilot program supported by a state grant. There will be a Six (6) month probationary period. A 5% salary increment will be considered based on the performance of a passing review after the completion of the probation period.

The standard work week will consist of 37.50 hours per week. This employment is designated as Full-Time employment consisting of 26 bi-weekly pay periods, (1,950 hours per year). Benefits will be provided as defined for the Full Time Employee by the Department for Public Health Personnel Regulations 902 KAR Chapter 8 to include Retirement, Vacation, Sick, Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance and Life Insurance. The employee will be obligated to contribute a share for any of these benefits as defined by the Department for Public Health, Kentucky Retirement System, Kentucky Employer's Health Plan, or any other governing entity. Other benefits granted by the Lawrence County Board of Health may be offered at the discretion of the Director/Appointing Authority. Holidays will include the same holidays made available to merit system employees which are currently:

New Year's Day and one additional day Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Good Friday (half day) Memorial Day Juneteenth Independence Day Labor Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Day and one additional day Christmas and one additional day

Minimum Education, Training or Experience

Contracted Employee will obtain and maintain licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist AND certification as a "Public Health Registered Dental Hygienist" throughout the terms of the contract. Specific standards of licensure can be found in KRS 313 and 201 KAR 8:562. It is not essential that this RDH have the certification before the contract begins but must provide evidence of such before any preventive dental service can be provided.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D