Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) - Part Time

Registered Dental Hygienist

The Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) will perform a wide range of duties in the dental clinic under direct supervision of a dentist, including the provision of periodontal and preventative dental treatment, oral hygiene education, and community outreach. This position requires the flexibility to travel from site to site if needed.

CommuniCare+OLE provides an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity and life experience. CommuniCare+OLE encourages people of all backgrounds to apply including, but not limited to, Black, Indigenous Peoples, people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, individuals of all ages and religions, and individuals who have been affected by the legal system. You are welcome here.

***The following reflects requirements and essential functions of this position but does not restrict tasks that may be assigned. Essential functions include basic job duties, core elements, or fundamental responsibilities that an employee must perform to hold the position. Employees must be able to perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation (accommodation may be requested). Duties and responsibilities are not all-inclusive, and they may be assigned or reassigned to this job at any time, due to reasonable accommodation or any other reason.***

Minimum Position Requirements: Education, Experience, Skills/Training

Education: High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. Graduated from a dental hygiene program approved by the Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC).

Experience/Lived Experience: Previous Dental Hygiene experience preferred. Strong verbal and written communication skills; Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred. Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills required; must have ability to handle difficult patients. Computer and data entry skills required; electronic health record system experience preferred. Knowledge of Federally Qualified Health Centers and Medi-Cal coverage preferred; Ability to work with diverse populations required.

Special Skills/Training: Current CPR certification required. Must be licensed to practice dental hygiene in the State of California. Proof of completion of a board-approved Radiation Safety, California Dental Practice Act, and Infection Control course. Driver’s License Required.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Provides direct patient care to children and adults within approved RDH duties by California Code of Regulations in a primary care setting.
• Performs patient screening procedures such as assessment of oral health condition, review of the health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck evaluation, dental charting, and patient vitals.
• Assesses patients’ teeth, bone, and periodontal tissues indicating the presence of any abnormalities or suspected diseases or conditions and notifies dentist.
• Assists the dentist with developing and completing appropriate periodontal treatment plans.
• Serves as a member of the care team, engaging in routine and preventive dental care.
• Instructs patients how to practice good oral hygiene; makes recommendations as to appropriate products or devices for patients’ home care; and provides other health care education such as nutritional counseling and motivational interviewing, as necessary.
• Thoroughly removes soft and hard deposits and extrinsic stains from teeth using hand instruments, ultrasonic inserts, and hand pieces.
• Performs full mouth debridement, either as a first stage gingivitis therapy or to remove interfering calculus to further enable a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Provides local anesthesia as needed for treatment procedures.
• Irrigates sub-gingivally with an antimicrobial and/or antibiotic liquid solution.
• Applies preventive agents such as fluoride and sealants to the tooth surfaces and assists the dentist, as required, in further treatment of teeth and gums.
• Takes digital x-rays and intra-oral photos of patients.
• Maintains patient electronic medical records with thorough documentation practices.
• Performs instrument maintenance, including sharpening of hand scalers.
• Supports outreach programs and remote sites by providing education, screenings, imaging/record gathering, preventive services, and documentation.
• Attends and participates in required meetings, trainings, and educational programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.