School-Based Dental Hygienist (Part-Time) (4145)

School-Based Dental Hygienist (Part-Time)

Central - Waco, TX 76707

Overview

Level: Experienced Position Type: Part Time Job Shift: Day Education Level: 4 Year Degree

Description

Primary Duties:

The part-time School-Based Dental Hygienist provides preventive and educational oral health services to pediatric populations within school settings as part of a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). School settings can include elementary, middle, and high schools. This role focuses on improving care access to overall health outcomes through community-based service delivery. The hygienist works collaboratively with dentists, school staff, families, and care teams to deliver culturally competent, patient-centered care. Traveling between schools and FQHC sites may be required.

Clinical Care Delivery:

• Provide preventive dental services in school-based settings, including:
• Oral health assessments and screenings
• Dental prophylaxis (cleanings)
• Fluoride varnish applications
• Dental sealants
• Radiographs
• Identify urgent dental needs and facilitate referrals to the FQHC dental clinic
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in the electronic health record (EHR)

Care Coordination:

• Collaborate with dentists and care teams to develop treatment plans and follow-up care
• Coordinate referrals for restorative or specialty care
• Communicate findings and recommendations to parents/guardians
• Track and manage recall systems for ongoing preventive care

Health Education & Outreach:

• Deliver oral health education to students, parents, and school staff
• Promote preventive care practices and healthy behaviors
• Participate in community outreach and public health initiatives
• Support school-based oral health programs and screenings

Compliance & Quality:

• Adhere to FQHC policies, HRSA requirements, and state dental practice regulations
• Follow infection control and standards
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and reporting metrics (e.g., UDS measures)
• Ensure proper maintenance and sterilization of portable equipment with inventory and supplies

Program Support:

• Assist with logistical setup and breakdown of mobile/portable dental units
• Maintain inventory of dental supplies and equipment
• Support program data collection, reporting, and outcome tracking
• Work with school administration to coordinate schedules and consent forms

Other Duties:

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications

School-Based Dental Hygienist (Part-Time)

Reports To: Chief Dental Officer and Director of School-Based Services

Education & Experience:

Required:

• Associate or bachelor's degree in dental hygiene
• Current state licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
• Local anesthesia certification (if applicable per state law)
• CPR/BLS certification

Preferred:

• Experience in public health, school-based care, or community dental programs
• Experience working in an FQHC or underserved populations
• Bilingual (English/Spanish or other prevalent language in the community)

Skills:

• Strong communication and patient education skills
• Ability to work independently in non-traditional settings
• Cultural competency and sensitivity to diverse populations
• Organizational and time management skills
• Proficiency with dental software/HER systems
• Team collaboration and adaptability

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Visual and auditory accuracy
• Shift length: part-time during school hours
• Indoor setting
• Continuous use of computer and calculator
• Frequent use of telephone
• Continuous repetitive grasping and manipulation of both hands
• Continuous conversational communication
• Continuous reaching, walking, squatting, kneeling, twisting, and climbing
• Frequent carrying, lifting, pushing and pulling of up to 25 lbs.
• Frequent working in confined, noisy, dusty areas
• Occasionally use of personal car
• Understand/carry out simple/detailed, oral/written instructions
• Memorize and retain instructions
• Read and interpret detailed specifications
• Ability to transport and set up portable equipment
• Prolonged periods of standing, sitting, and bending
• Manual dexterity for clinical procedures
• Exposure to typical clinical environments and infection control protocols