Dental Hygienist Temp, PRN

Dental Hygienist Position
Utah Navajo Health System, Inc. is looking for a hard-working, dedicated Dental Hygienist to work full time in Monument Valley, Utah. We are a large company with 4 medical and 5 dental clinics spread throughout beautiful San Juan County. San Juan County is the perfect place for an outdoor adventurer or anyone wanting a break from buildings and pavement. We know there is someone out there that will make an excellent addition to our dental team to help increase availability of dental hygiene care in our area. Someone who gets along well with others, is thorough and efficient, can follow company procedures, and has amazing customer service.
The Hygiene Assistant is responsible for supporting Dental Hygienists in the delivery of efficient, safe, and high-quality patient care at Utah Navajo Health System, Inc. (This position assists with patient preparation, radiographs, charting, infection control, oral health education, clinical documentation, equipment maintenance, and hygiene schedule workflow.
The Hygiene Assistant works closely with Dental Hygienists, Dentists, Dental Assistants, and front office staff to support a positive patient experience and efficient clinical operations. The position may also cross-train in additional Dental Assistant duties when appropriate and when competency requirements are met.
Hygiene Support & Patient Care

• Assist Dental Hygienists with patients scheduled for assisted hygiene, including seating patients, preparing treatment areas, taking radiographs, and charting as directed.
• Obtain and accurately document patient medical and dental histories and vital signs.
• Assist Dental Hygienists and Dentists with patient preparation and clinical workflow.
• Provide reassurance, support, and appropriate patient education before, during, and after dental treatment.
• Educate patients regarding oral hygiene, plaque control, preventive care, and other instructions within the scope of the position.
• Polish teeth and apply fluoride or other preventive coatings when appropriately trained and permitted within applicable scope and organizational policy.
• Assist Dental Providers in the management of medical or dental emergencies as directed.

Radiology

• Obtain and maintain required Utah dental radiology certification.
• Perform dental radiographic procedures under the direction of a licensed Dentist in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Properly position patients and imaging equipment to obtain diagnostic-quality dental radiographs.
• Process, label, document, and maintain radiographic images appropriately.
• Complete and maintain required radiology competency documentation.

Infection Prevention & Sterilization

• Follow all established infection prevention and control protocols to maintain a clean and safe dental environment.
• Clean and disinfect treatment rooms, dental equipment, work surfaces, and patient care areas between patients.
• Follow OSHA requirements, UNHS infection prevention procedures, and applicable dental safety standards.
• Utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work practices at all times.

Assist with maintaining accurate and current patient clinical records.

• Document medical histories, treatment information, progress notes, and other clinical data as directed.
• Ensure documentation is complete and accurate to support continuity of care, billing, regulatory compliance, and legal requirements.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and UNHS policies.

Equipment & Inventory Management

• Assist with maintaining dental and hygiene equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of dental equipment as assigned.
• Promptly report malfunctioning or damaged equipment to the appropriate supervisor.
• Assist with monitoring supply levels and maintaining adequate inventory for hygiene operations.
• Assist with ordering, stocking, organizing, and rotating supplies.
• Work closely with Dental Hygienists, Dentists, Dental Assistants, and front office personnel to support efficient patient care and smooth hygiene scheduling.
• Communicate effectively regarding patient needs, scheduling concerns, equipment needs, supplies, and clinical workflow.
• Support department productivity while maintaining patient safety and quality standards.
• Provide professional, courteous, and patient-centered customer service.

Follow all applicable federal, state, regulatory, HIPAA, OSHA, and UNHS requirements.

• Maintain all required certifications, competencies, and training.
• Participate in departmental training, meetings, quality improvement activities, and competency assessments.
• Perform additional duties, projects, and assignments reasonably related to the position as directed by Dental leadership or UNHS Administration.

Optional Cross-Training Responsibilities Dental Assistant
Employees who voluntarily cross-train as Dental Assistants and successfully complete required training and competency validation may perform the following additional duties:

• Provide chairside assistance during dental procedures.
• Prepare patients for treatment and set up instruments, materials, and treatment areas.
• Apply topical anesthetic when permitted by applicable law, policy, and demonstrated competency.
• Assist the Dentist during procedures by passing instruments, providing suction, preparing materials, and maintaining patient comfort.
• Take preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations when appropriately trained and authorized.
• Fabricate temporary crowns or restorations when permitted and competent to do so.
• Perform dental laboratory duties such as pouring, trimming, and polishing study casts.
• Clean and polish removable dental appliances.
• Use digital dental technology to scan, transmit, or print dental laboratory cases.
• Cross-training responsibilities may only be performed after the employee has completed required training, demonstrated competency, and is authorized by Dental leadership.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Supports efficient hygiene schedule workflow.
Maintains radiology certification and competency requirements.
Consistently follows infection prevention and sterilization standards.
Demonstrates safe use and maintenance of dental equipment.
Maintains appropriate inventory and identifies expired or damaged supplies.
Provides excellent patient education and customer service.
Maintains compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, UNHS policies, and applicable dental requirements.
Successfully completes assigned competencies and required training.
Critical Competencies & Required Competency Documents
Computer Systems & Technology
Ability to effectively use computer systems and learn software applications required for dental operations.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in English with patients, families, coworkers, and providers.
Dental Radiology
Ability to perform dental radiographs in accordance with applicable requirements and demonstrated competency.
Documentation Required: Current radiology certification and clinical competency documentation.
Ability to respond appropriately during medical emergencies within the employee's training.
Must be a licensed Dental Hygienist in the State of Utah, or able to transfer licensure to Utah.

Utah Navajo Health System, Inc.