DENTAL HYGIENIST - CERMAK HEALTH SERVICES

This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between Cook County and SEIU 73. Pursuant to the agreement, Cook County will exhaust internal eligible applicants prior to considering external candidates.

About the Role

Provide direct dental hygiene services to the clinic's patients in accordance with the general policies and standards of performance established by the clinic under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Responsible for the direct provision of oral hygiene and appropriate services to dental patients, as well as providing oral health information to individuals and groups.

Responsibilities

• Obtain baseline oral hygiene assessment data based upon accepted principles of oral hygiene and periodontal care.
• Record patient-hygienist transactions in the patient's dental record to accurately reflect the nature of the contact, condition of the patient, and care or treatment provided within a 24-hour period.
• Deliver preventive care, treatment, and referrals.
• Provide oral health education and individual counseling for all center dental patients.
• Perform clinical oral hygiene services including dental prophylaxis, scaling, sealant application, and fluoride application consistent with accepted professional practices and state law.
• Maintain high standards of dental hygiene practice and participate in the training and development of the dental team.
• Integrate appropriate patient dental hygiene care with other healthcare professionals involved in the patient's health care management.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of dental clinic policies, protocols, and procedures.
• Maintain all Dental Department areas in compliance with infection control, exposure control, and safety policies.
• Ensure proper disposal of contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with regulations.
• Organize and perform preventive oral health presentations at on-site and off-site locations.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and monitoring of the dental quality assurance program.
• Provide technical assistance and health education in the community as requested.
• Perform independent procedures as delegated by a dentist in accordance with state regulations and Dental Department protocols.
• Exemplify professionalism in attitude toward patients and staff, performing duties with respect, dignity, privacy, and modesty.
• Fulfill state-required Continuing Education Credits within the designated time frame.
• Attend professional conventions, seminars, and participate in professional societies to maintain and improve professional skills.
• Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, and center rules, regulations, protocols, and procedures governing dental hygiene practice and clinical provision of services.
• Counsel patients regarding dental, medical, and other problems affecting their health and well-being.
• Perform clinical procedures within scope and skill, economically feasible for patient benefit.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited School of Dental Hygiene (official transcripts required at time of interview).
• Licensed to practice Dental Hygiene in the State of Illinois (proof required at time of interview).
• Unrestricted license and current CPR certification (proof required at time of interview).
• Comprehensive knowledge of oral hygiene care in an outpatient setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous direct patient care experience within a healthcare center, dental clinic, or hospital setting.
• Bilingual proficiency.

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of dental hygiene methods, principles, and their application to ensure optimal oral health and appropriate dental care.
• Advanced knowledge of oral hygiene practices.
• Advanced knowledge of electronic health records.
• Skill in motivating and obtaining patient cooperation to facilitate dental care delivery.
• Skill in maintaining effective working relationships with healthcare professionals and others.
• Ability to handle dental instruments and materials with dexterity to prevent injuries to staff and patients.

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position functions within a healthcare environment. The incumbent must adhere to all hospital and department-specific safety requirements, including:

• Compliance with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements.
• Adherence to hand washing and sanitizing practices.
• Compliance with department-specific engineering and work practice controls.
• Following any other work area safety precautions specified by hospital-wide policy and departmental procedures.

Veteran Preference

Preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service. To qualify, Veterans must:

• Identify as a Veteran on the employment application.
• Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application. The latest date document is preferred.
• Coast Guard members must submit a certified copy of military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 9/11).
• Discharge papers must list an Honorable Discharge Status.
• A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver’s License identifying the holder as a Veteran may also be submitted.
• Original applicable discharge papers or ID must be provided at the time of interview.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• 100% Tuition Reimbursement for nursing-related programs

Degrees awarded outside the United States (except those from U.S. territories and Canada) must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at the time of interview.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory professional and employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications, and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.