Dental Hygienist

POSITION SUMMARY: Cleans teeth, examine patient for oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide other preventive dental care. Educates patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Provides clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients; Performs prophylactic treatment on HHS patients; Performs deep sub-gingival scaling, root planning, and curettage; Polishes teeth, applies fluorides and sealants for caries prevention; Instructs patients at chair side on oral hygiene, brushing and flossing techniques; Maintains dental equipment and sharpens and sterilizes dental instruments; Coordinates with HHS staff to conduct preventive education outreach; Assists Dentist in management of special projects such as Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and staff training; Exposes, develops and processes x-ray films; Maintains patient records of treatment, and maintains a recall program; Records patient data on electronic record and other HHS databases as required; Provides services at community events such as health fairs; Provides support for special activities and events such as health fairs, community outreach events, and emergency preparedness; Other position related duties as required and assigned MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Associates degree in dental hygiene and licensed to practice in Texas with one (1) year of direct experience in community health setting as a hygienist. Must possess a valid Texas Drivers license and be insurable; Bi-lingual English/Spanish; must be able to successfully pass a post-offer drug screen and criminal history background check. KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities; Knowledge of symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions and preventive health care measures; Knowledge of dental clinic operations; Must be culturally sensitive to minority (especially Native American) populations; Able to maintain patient confidentiality; Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services; Excellent time management skills; Excellent interpersonal skills; Proficient with database systems and data entry. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, stand and hear; The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds; The vision requirements include: close vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus; Work involves danger of exposure to potential hazards of communicable diseases and radiation; Exposure to burns and cuts when handling instruments; Caution must be exercised at all times; Personal protection must be used as needed, this includes: masks, safety glasses, gowns and radiation bandages. This description is a summary of principle responsibilities and is not intended to include all duties which may be assigned. The right is reserved under provisions PL 93-638 Section (b), (f), (g), (i), 20 USD450 Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1974 to give preference and opportunity for employment, training, and contracts to Indians.