Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist

The Dental Hygienist provides comprehensive preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene services to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native beneficiaries. Working under the general supervision of a licensed dentist, the hygienist supports the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model and helps meet clinical performance indicators.

$110,000 - $115,000 a year Location: Taos-Picuris Health Center, Taos, NM Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical Services
• Perform dental prophylaxis, scaling and root planning, oral debridement, and periodontal assessments.
• Conduct oral cancer screenings and perform radiographic procedures.
• Apply topical fluorides, pit and fissure sealants, and other preventive agents.
• Administer local anesthesia and deliver locally delivered antimicrobials.
• Identify and chart conditions of decay and periodontal disease.
• Fabricate temporary restorations and clean/polish removable dental appliances.
• Assist with dental and medical emergencies within the scope of practice.
• Patient Care and Education
• Prepare treatment rooms and patients according to established protocols.
• Provide oral hygiene instruction, plaque control guidance, and post-treatment instructions to patients.
• Respond to patient questions and concerns professionally.
• Documentation and Administrative Support
• Document all patient encounters in the IHS Dentrix system on the date of service.
• Maintain strict patient confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and the Privacy Act.
• Ensure all chart deficiencies are completed within 24 hours of notification.
• Maintain dental instruments through proper cleaning, sterilization, and sharpening.
• Monitor and conserve dental supplies and equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited institution.
• Licensure: Current, active, and unrestricted Dental Hygienist license from any U.S. state or territory.
• Experience: At least three (3) years of dental hygiene experience, including work with both adult and pediatric populations.
• Certifications:
• Current radiography (X-ray) certification.
• Authorization to administer local anesthetics (if applicable by state law).
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS)

Compliance and Requirements

• Background Check: Must successfully complete a background investigation, including e-QIP, Indian Child Protection Act (P.L. 101-630), and character investigations.
• Training: Must complete Information Systems Security Awareness (ISSA), HIPAA, and Privacy Act training.
• Citizenship: Must be US Citizen