OPS DENTAL HYGIENIST

Requisition No: 878582 Agency: Department of Health Working Title: OPS DENTAL HYGIENIST Position Number: 64953373 Salary: Hourly rate $35.00 Posting Closing Date: 07/09/2026 Status: Open Competitive This is a floating Dental Hygienist position based out of Haines City, FL. The position will require travel throughout Polk County. Your Responsibilities The employee in this position provides dental hygiene services to eligible clients at the Polk County Health Department dental clinics. In addition, the dental hygienist is responsible for conducting preventive/educational dental health programs at various locations in the community. Employee reports directly to the Dental Director. However, work is performed under the supervision of the Clinic Dentist. Incumbent is expected to communicate (by phone or in person) in a courteous and professional manner at all times. Incumbent may be required to work during or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency. Emergency operations functions required of the incumbent include but are not limited to special needs shelters, Red Cross shelters, or other emergency functions. Performs dental prophylaxis; scaling and root planning procedures; exposes dental radiographs, instructs patients in preventive dental techniques, including proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques; and applies dental sealants. Plans, develops and conducts dental health education or prevention programs, including infection control and OSHA topics. Presents in-service training programs on Dental Health care practice for clinic and school. Develops and evaluates educational materials and resources. Completes and maintains dental records of patients in accordance with County Health Department dental policies and state guidelines established for the dental program. Develops and maintains an effective and systematic patient recall system for all eligible patients. Is responsible for the implementation and utilization of this recall system. Attends staff meetings and performs related work as required. Complies with all Department of Health and Dental security and confidentiality rules and requirements. This position serves a large population of Spanish /Creole speaking clients and employee may be required to perform interpreter duties, if bilingual. Employee in this position may be required to travel to all PCHD dental clinics to perform the above duties. Other duties assigned by supervisor. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of methods and techniques of dental hygiene. Knowledge of agency policies and procedures. Knowledge of general office procedures and practices. Knowledge of basic arithmetic. Skills in effective verbal and written communication. Skills in problem solving. Skills in computer software application. Skills in coordination. Ability to perform clinical hygiene procedures. Ability to prepare and maintain dental records. Ability to provide chair-side assistance, including prepare, clean, and maintain dental equipment and instruments. Ability to provide counsel and instruction to patient and family on dental care and treatments. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to speak effectively and to adopt lecture material for presentation to various types of audiences. Ability to supervise people. Qualifications Minimum Requirements This occupation requires licensure as a Dental Hygienist in accordance with Chapter 466 of the Florida Statutes. Valid Florida Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment. Preferred Qualifications Able to communicate with patients in a language other than English without using an interpreter. Where You Will Work Haines City, FL - Position will require travel throughout Polk County. Benefits State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (mandatory) Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements. Consult with People First and/or the serving HR office) Workers’ Compensation (mandatory, if needed) Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) (mandatory, if needed) This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening, and participation in direct deposit. Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions. All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmitive Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. #J-18808-Ljbffr