Dental Hygienist - On Call

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide appropriate periodontal services as treatment planned by the dental provider.
• Provide routine prophylaxis to adult and pediatric patients, including full mouth scaling, polish, and use of topical fluoride as needed.
• Differentiate types of periodontal disease, prioritize and sequence treatment properly including scaling, root planning, local anesthesia, and delivery of chemotherapeutic agents as indicated by the periodontal involvement of the patient.
• Report status of periodontal health and recommend proper interval for reevaluation/recall.
• Remove overhangs of filling materials and polish amalgams when endorsed.
• Place soft relines, when endorsed.
• Perform full mouth periodontal charting that includes probing depths, mobility, furcation, recession, and mucogingival involvement.
• Document a complete head and neck exam, including soft tissue pathology.
• Expose diagnostic digital radiographs using existing dental radiography software.
• Provide restorative treatment, with dentist supervision, if a restorative endorsement is obtained.
• Utilize nitrous oxide in treatment of patients, if permit is obtained.
• Provide chair-side oral hygiene instruction in plaque control, appropriate use of home fluoride and desensitizing agents, and/or dietary and tobacco counseling.
• Engage in preventive tele dentistry visits, as needed.
• Participate in grant-specific activities related to goals, deliverables, and outcomes as needed.
• Educate caregivers as to oral healthcare needs of accompanied patient.
• Absorb other clinic responsibilities as needed including office maintenance.
• Participate in the education of dental and dental hygiene students.
• Provide training to co-workers, in the form of lunch and learns of other structured activities emphasizing OHI and patient education.
• Maintain, clean, sterilize, and sharpen instruments.
• Place dental sealants.
• Deliver anesthetic as requested by treating dentist.
• Comply with "Universal Precautions" for infection control.
• Review patient's medical history and dispense or confirm PAC.
• Produce documentation necessary and consistent with generally accepted professional dental standards.
• Help in the organization, implementation, and facilitation of current grants (state, local, private) related to dental health services.
• Inventorize supplies related to work.
• Develop and modify prevention programs.
• Attend office trainings and meetings along with CDE as required.
• Complete all required VG training as assigned.
• Handle protected health information (PHI) in a manner consistent with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Travel as needed within Washington and Yamhill Counties.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, safe driving record and active auto insurance coverage.

HIPAA Requirements

• The Dental Hygienist will have access to (PHI) during the course of their work activities.
• The DH will use this information to prepare both patients and medical records for visits with the provider and to keep the flow of work going smoothly in the clinic.
• Applying the minimum necessary standard of HIPAA, the designated records sets to which this employee will have access to include: the full medical records, and the scheduling and demographics functions of the practice management system in the view only mode.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Required

• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written language.
• Bilingual English and Spanish preferred.
• Knowledge of dental hygiene procedures, techniques, and tools.
• Knowledge of medications used in conjunction with dental hygiene.
• Knowledge of medical record keeping and dental charting.
• Knowledge of OSHA Bloodbourne Pathogens Standards and adherence to safety rules and standards.
• Skill in cleaning teeth and examining the mouth and teeth for anomalies, operating x-ray equipment.
• Experience anesthetizing patients preferred.
• Ability to keep accurate and legible records.
• Ability to perform dental assistant duties as needed.
• Ability to work effectively with dental team and patients.
• Proficiency with Microsoft office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to be culturally sensitive and to relate to people of varied racial, educational, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to work with patients who have limited knowledge of proper oral hygiene.

Education And Experience Required

• Associate degree or higher from an accredited dental hygiene program.
• Active license to practice dental hygiene issued by the Oregon Board of Dentistry.
• Current BLS/CPR/AED certification for healthcare provider.
• Expanded Practice Permit or must acquire permit within 90 days of hire.
• Nitrous Oxide Permit preferred.
• Restorative functions endorsement preferred.

Behavioral Competencies

• Accountability: Role model VG’s mission, vision, and shared values.
• Customer-Focus: Listen to the voice of the customer and strive to delight them by exceeding their expectations.
• Teamwork: If someone needs help, help them.
• Initiative: Be innovative, apply fresh ideas, and continuously improve how you do your work.
• Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality and respect the privacy of others.
• Ethical: Demonstrate integrity, honesty, and stewardship in all encounters at work.
• Respect: Demonstrate consideration and appreciation for co-workers and patients.
• Communication: Demonstrate the ability to convey thoughts and ideas as well as understand perspective of others.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting: up to 75%
• Standing: 25%
• Walking: 25%
• Use of Computer: 25%
• Ability to Lift/Carry up to 30 lbs.

Work Environment

• Work in a well-lighted, ventilated environment.
• Potential exposure to blood borne pathogens and hazardous chemicals.

Immunization

• Staff members must meet immunization requirements as stated in VGMHC’s immunization policy and state and federal guidelines.