Dental Hygienist - PRN/As Needed

About the role

Utah Navajo Health System, Inc. is seeking a hard-working, dedicated Dental Hygienist to join our team in Monument Valley, Utah. We are a large company with 4 medical and 5 dental clinics across San Juan County.

Responsibilities

• Support Dental Hygienists with patients scheduled for assisted hygiene, including seating patients, preparing treatment areas, taking radiographs, and charting as directed.
• Absorb and accurately document patient medical and dental histories and vital signs.
• Assist Dental Hygienists and Dentists with patient preparation and clinical workflow.
• Provide reassurance, support, and appropriate patient education before, during, and after dental treatment.
• Educate patients regarding oral hygiene, plaque control, preventive care, and other instructions within the scope of the position.
• Polish teeth and apply fluoride or other preventive coatings when appropriately trained and permitted within applicable scope and organizational policy.
• Aid Dental Providers in managing medical or dental emergencies as directed.
• Perform dental radiographic procedures under the direction of a licensed Dentist in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Position patients and imaging equipment to obtain diagnostic-quality dental radiographs.
• Process, label, document, and maintain radiographic images appropriately.
• Complete and maintain required radiology competency documentation.
• Follow all established infection prevention and control protocols to maintain a clean and safe dental environment.
• Clean, disinfect, sterilize, package, and store instruments according to applicable standards and manufacturer instructions.
• Clean and disinfect treatment rooms, dental equipment, work surfaces, and patient care areas between patients.
• Utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work practices at all times.
• Assist with maintaining accurate and current patient clinical records.
• Document medical histories, treatment information, progress notes, and other clinical data as directed.
• Ensure documentation is complete and accurate to support continuity of care, billing, regulatory compliance, and legal requirements.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and UNHS policies.
• Assist with maintaining dental and hygiene equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of dental equipment as assigned.
• Promptly report malfunctioning or damaged equipment to the appropriate supervisor.
• Aid in monitoring supply levels and maintaining adequate inventory for hygiene operations.
• Aid in ordering, stocking, organizing, and rotating supplies.
• Monitor supplies for expiration dates and remove expired or damaged items in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Work closely with Dental Hygienists, Dentists, Dental Assistants, and front office personnel to support efficient patient care and smooth hygiene scheduling.
• Communicate effectively regarding patient needs, scheduling concerns, equipment needs, supplies, and clinical workflow.
• Support department productivity while maintaining patient safety and quality standards.
• Provide professional, courteous, and patient-centered customer service.
• Follow all applicable federal, state, regulatory, HIPAA, OSHA, and UNHS requirements.
• Maintain all required certifications, competencies, and training.
• Participate in departmental training, meetings, quality improvement activities, and competency assessments.
• Perform additional duties, projects, and assignments reasonably related to the position as directed by Dental leadership or UNHS Administration.

Qualifications

• Must be a licensed Dental Hygienist in the State of Utah, or able to transfer licensure to Utah.
• Ability to communicate in Navajo is preferred, but not required.
• Must be able to work well with others.
• An excellent work history and customer service mindset are preferred.
• Previous dental assisting or dental hygiene support experience is preferred.
• Experience working in a dental or healthcare environment is preferred.

Skills

• Ability to fluently read, write, and speak English.
• Navajo language proficiency preferred.
• General mathematical skills required.
• Ability to follow instructions, prioritize responsibilities, exercise sound judgment, and creatively solve problems.
• Ability to interact professionally and courteously with patients, families, coworkers, managers, administration, and Dental Providers.
• General computer proficiency required.
• Ability to use Google Workspace and other standard office applications.
• Ability to learn and utilize the current electronic dental record and other software required by UNHS.

Working Conditions

• Primarily works within a dental clinical environment.
• Frequent standing, sitting, bending, reaching, and assisting with patient positioning.
• Regular exposure to dental instruments, equipment, disinfectants, blood, saliva, bodily fluids, and other healthcare-related hazards.
• Requires use of PPE and strict compliance with infection prevention and safety procedures.
• May require occasional extended hours or work at other UNHS Dental locations based on operational needs.