Dental Hygienist- Open Until Filled

Ponca Health Services is a federally recognized Tribe offering a broad range of health, social, educational, and cultural services within its 15-county Service Delivery Area spanning Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota.

About the role

This position reports to the Supervisory Dentist and requires professional knowledge in dental hygiene and clinic dental program aspects. The role operates within an outpatient dental clinical setting, involving occasional travel to other locations.

Responsibilities

• Registered Dental Hygienist (Tier I)
  • Perform advanced prophylactic and preventative dental procedures for patients with various oral health issues.
  • Administer local anesthesia under direct supervision of the dentist.
  • Record medical and dental histories, review dietary habits, and administer caries prevention agents.
  • Desensitize root surfaces, perform root planning, apply sealants, and take/pour impressions.
  • Instruct patients in home care therapy, proper diet, and hygiene schedule management.
  • Plan, coordinate, and conduct community-based dental prevention programs.
  • Develop and present oral health lectures, demonstrations, and visual displays to targeted populations.
  • Provide in-service training to staff and develop procedural instructions for oral health care delivery.
  • Use the AAP grading and staging system.
  • Proctor dental hygiene students from local programs.
  • Attend clinic and dental staff meetings to improve the oral hygiene program.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
• Public Health Dental Hygienist (Tier II) – Fluoride Prescription Certification and/or Minor Denture Adjustments
  • All duties of a Registered Dental Hygienist, plus:
  • Perform preliminary charting and screening examinations.
  • Conduct oral health education, workshops, and in-service training.
  • Prescribe fluoride mouth rinses and products to patients with dental caries when indicated.
  • Make minor denture adjustments for prosthodontic patients when indicated.
• Expanded Scope Function Dental Hygienist (Tier II)
  • All duties of a Registered Dental Hygienist, plus:
  • Place interim therapeutic restorations.
  • Prescribe fluoride mouth rinses and products to patients with dental caries when indicated.
  • Make minor denture adjustments for prosthodontic patients when indicated.
  • Monitor, administer, and titrate nitrous oxide.
• Expanded Function Restorative I & II Dental Hygienist (Tier III)
  • All duties of a Registered Dental Hygienist, plus:
  • Place single surface restorations in a preparation from a PTN Licensed Dentist (Level I Permit).
  • Place multiple surface restorations in a preparation from a PTN Licensed Dentist (Level II Permit).

Requirements

• Tier I Minimum Qualifications
  • Current license to practice as a dental hygienist and license to administer local anesthetic in any U.S. state or territory, in “good standing”.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Knowledge of or willingness to learn Dentrix and additional dental software applications.
  • Valid driver’s license and insurable status.
  • Successfully pass drug and alcohol testing, motor vehicle, education, character, and criminal background checks.
  • Able and willing to travel.
• Tier II Minimum Qualifications
  • All Tier I qualifications.
  • Complete State of Nebraska approved courses and receive licensure or authorization for:
    • Fluoride product prescribing and minor denture adjustments, or
    • Interim therapeutic restorations, fluoride product prescribing, minor denture adjustments, and nitrous oxide administration.
• Tier III Minimum Qualifications
  • All Tier I and II qualifications.
  • Complete State of Nebraska approved courses and receive licensure or authorization for Level I and II restorative procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of experience working with Native Americans or Native American organizations.
• One year of experience as a professional dental hygienist in any U.S. state or territory, in “good standing”.
• Knowledge and understanding of Public Law 93-638: Indian Self Determination Act.
• Preference given to Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members or members of a federally recognized tribe.

Skills

• Visual acuity, speech, and hearing.
• Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for operating dental and office equipment.
• Ability to carry/lift up to 5 pounds frequently, 10 pounds regularly, and 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, and lift boxes of dental supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Work effectively with emotionally upset patients, family members, personnel, and visitors.

Pay

• Tier I: $68,136.20 – $99,315.15
• Tier II: $74,949.82 – $109,246.67
• Tier III: $82,444.80 – $120,171.34

Schedule

This is a full-time or part-time position. Work is primarily in an office environment with occasional travel to other locations.