Dental Hygienist

This position may require temporary relocation to other TONHC facilities: Sells Hospital, Santa Rosa Health Center, San Simon Health Center, and San Xavier Health Center.

About the Role

The position is responsible for planning and carrying out dental hygiene treatment and oral health education for patients. The role is based at the Dental Facility, Tohono O'odham Nation Sells Hospital in Sells, Arizona, and involves performing advanced prophylactic and preventive dental procedures. The Chief of Dental Services establishes the program's objectives and provides general supervision.

Responsibilities

• Completes preliminary dental examinations on new patients and refers abnormalities (e.g., cavities, traumatic occlusion, suspicious lesions) to the dentist.
• Prepares dental hygiene treatment plans, including assessing problems, determining required care, and sequencing appointments.
• Performs complete oral prophylaxis on ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients.
• Performs subgingival scaling, root planning, and curettage under local anesthesia.
• Polishes teeth, applies fluoride for hypersensitivity, and provides preventive care.
• Provides bedside prophylactic treatment for comatose, neurosurgical, and non-ambulatory patients using specialized procedures.
• Assists in post-operative care for oral and periodontal surgery patients, including suture removal, dressing changes, topical anesthetic application, and home care instructions.
• Assists the dentist with repairs and adjustments to teeth, such as smoothing rough edges, removing overhanging fillings, and reducing sharp edges of fractured teeth.
• Instructs patients at chairside in oral hygiene, brushing, flossing techniques, and periodontal aids.
• Trains nurses, health educators, social workers, and other medical staff in proper oral hygiene techniques for young, bedridden, disabled, and chronically ill patients.
• Exposes, develops, and processes radiographs (bitewing, periapical, panoramic x-rays) and maintains patient treatment records.
• Records oral conditions, treatment progress, and therapy notes.
• Contributes to a team effort and performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene.
• One year of experience as a Dental Hygienist.
• Must possess dental licensure in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
• Upon hire, a criminal background check and National FBI fingerprint check are required.
• May require a valid driver’s license (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years) and compliance with tribal insurance requirements for operating program vehicles.
• Fluency in both Tohono O’odham and English may be required based on department needs.

Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge of Tohono O’odham culture, customs, and applicable federal, state, and tribal laws.
• Knowledge of dental instruments, materials, and procedures across restorative, prosthodontic, oral surgical, endodontic, and periodontal treatments.
• Knowledge of dental anatomy, oral pathology, and periodontology to recognize abnormal hard and soft tissue conditions.
• Knowledge of medical diseases (e.g., cancer, diabetes, heart disease) as they relate to dental care and bedside prophylaxis.
• Ability to recognize common dental disorders (e.g., inflamed tissue, tooth decay) and perform intra-oral procedures.
• Skill in clinic scheduling, supply ordering, and data gathering.
• Knowledge of sterilization techniques and dental equipment care.
• Knowledge of preventive dentistry measures and patient instruction in oral hygiene practices.
• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and electronic dental record management.
• Dexterity in manipulating dental materials and instruments for procedures such as suture removal, dressing changes, and impressions.
• Skill in operating and adjusting dental radiographic equipment.
• Strong customer service skills and compassionate communication.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and build positive working relationships.