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:

o Current radiography (X-ray) certification.

o Authorization to administer local anesthetics (if applicable by state law).

o 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