Dental Hygienist

The Population and Community Health Bureau (PCHB) is within the Public Health Division of the New Mexico Department of Health.The mission of the PCHB is to partner with populations, communities, organizations, and systems to create health equity where New Mexicans live, learn, work and play.The PCHB values are centered on positive relationships, accountability, respect and excellence.The Office of Oral Health (OOH) is one of ten programs within the PCHB. Why does the job exist? Chapter 24 of the New Mexico Health and Safety Code mandates that the Department of Health operate a dental health program.The OOH program conducts clinical oral health prevention programs, provides funds to contractors to give access to oral health care, promotes oral health throughout the state, promotes Community Water Fluoridation, and serves as a clearing house for oral health issues.The target population is New Mexico low‑income and uninsured children, adults and seniors.These services align with the Department’s Strategic Plan to promote health and wellness, improve health outcomes, and assure safety‑net services for all people in New Mexico¿.The OOH’s mission is to reduce the incidence of oral disease among children and adults. How does it get done? The Registered Dental Hygienist organizes mobile oral health events, conducts mobile events (oral health assessment, application of dental sealants and/or fluoride varnish), and refers individuals in need of comprehensive oral health care to the dental care coordinator.Oral health education is conducted at community events, school events, and during the oral health assessment.Education may be delivered in person or virtually; in English and/or Spanish. Who are the customers? The school‑based programs serve low‑income and uninsured children in urban, rural and frontier schools in NE New Mexico. Ideal Candidate Bilingual (English and Spanish) Experience reporting metrics (data surveillance) Current CPR and OSHA certification Experience with providing oral health education to individuals and groups of people Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited program. Any combination of related education and/or direct experience totaling two (2) years may substitute for the required education. Must be licensed by the New Mexico Dental Health Care Board. Employment Requirements Must be licensed by the New Mexico Dental Health Care Board. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Must possess and maintain current defensive driving course certification from the State of New Mexico, or must pass and receive certification as a condition of continued employment. Working Conditions Ability to lift up to 50 pounds (bending, stooping and reaching). Operation of a cargo van or similar vehicle. In‑state travel; long distances by state vehicle. Work in school settings with various ages of youth and in an office setting with exposure to visual/video display terminals (VTD) and extensive phone usage. Bargaining Unit Position This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement; all terms and conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to. #J-18808-Ljbffr