Dental Hygienist - Jamestown Healing Clinic

Dental Hygienist - Jamestown Healing Clinic

Jamestown Healing Clinic is seeking a Dental Hygienist who is passionate about providing exceptional oral healthcare in a supportive, trauma-informed environment. In this role, you'll work closely with patients affected by substance use disorders, delivering preventive dental services, education, and compassionate care while promoting long-term oral health and overall wellness.

If you're looking for a meaningful career where you can make a lasting impact on your community, we'd love to hear from you.

Schedule:

• Part-Time
• 23 days per month
• Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
• 7:00 AM 2:30 PM

Essential Functions:

Clinical Responsibilities:

• Examine patients' oral cavities, including the mouth, throat, and pharynx, documenting the condition of teeth and surrounding tissues.
• Refer patients to the dentist for decay, defective fillings, oral abnormalities, periodontal disease, and other concerns.
• Apply desensitizing agents and other topical medications as appropriate.
• Perform comprehensive oral prophylaxis, including:
• Seating and draping patients.
• Supragingival and subgingival scaling using cavitron and universal scaling instruments.
• Removing calculus deposits, accretions, and stains.
• Polishing teeth using rubber prophy cups and prophy paste.
• Applying topical fluorides, anticariogenic agents, and occlusal sealants.
• Cleaning and polishing removable dental appliances.
• Administer topical and local anesthesia as permitted.
• Expose, develop, and mount dental radiographs, including bitewing, panoramic, and periapical images.
• Interpret radiographs to identify calculus, decay, oral abnormalities, and periodontal bone loss while utilizing X-rays as patient education tools.
• Record medical histories and treatment provided.
• Maintain dental instruments and equipment in optimal working condition.
• Disinfect operatories and sterilize instruments in accordance with Dental Clinic Policies & Procedures, JST Public Health & Safety Plan, and the Tribe's Exposure Control Plan.
• Educate patients individually and in groups using models, displays, brochures, videos, and other educational materials.
• Demonstrate proper brushing, flossing, and periodontal care techniques.

Trauma-Informed Care:

• Provide care using a trauma-informed approach that recognizes the impact of past trauma on health behaviors.
• Tailor communication and treatment plans to meet each patient's individual needs.

Harm Reduction:

• Integrate harm reduction principles into patient care.
• Educate patients about the effects of substance use on oral health and strategies to reduce associated risks.

Patient Education & Support:

• Address patient questions and concerns with empathy and respect.
• Provide resources and referrals for additional healthcare services when appropriate.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Follow all Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe and Jamestown Healing Clinic policies and procedures, including HIPAA, safety standards, and infection control practices.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Current Washington State Dental Hygienist License.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) and First Aid certification for Healthcare Providers.
• Complete 15 hours of continuing education annually.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
• Knowledge of:
• Dental and oral anatomy
• Oral physiology and histology
• Radiology and nutrition
• Preventive dentistry principles and techniques
• Dental instruments and materials
• Skill and dexterity in performing scaling, curettage, and root planing.
• Comfortable treating periodontally involved patients.
• Ability to educate and motivate patients on oral health and disease prevention.
• Basic computer proficiency with the ability to learn dental scheduling and electronic charting software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel locally and regionally as needed.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to successfully pass a criminal background investigation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with patients affected by substance use disorders.
• Experience or training in trauma-informed care.
• Knowledge of harm reduction principles and practices.
• American Indian/Alaska Native hiring preference applies.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform dental hygiene procedures while sitting for extended periods.
• Ability to respond effectively during emergency situations.
• Must be available to work any shift, including weekends and holidays, as business needs require.
• Ability to lift, push, and carry up to 25 pounds without assistance.
• Ability to stand, sit, walk, bend, climb, squat, twist, and reach throughout the workday.
• Strong manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and visual acuity.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced healthcare environment while maintaining professionalism and exceptional patient care.

At Jamestown Healing Clinic, you'll be part of a compassionate, multidisciplinary team dedicated to improving the health and well-being of our community. We value respect, collaboration, and culturally responsive care while supporting professional growth and work that truly makes a difference.

Apply today and help create healthier smiles while making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.

Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe