JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Respect and abide by the mission and mission statement
• Assists in the oral health management of all clinic patients.
• Obtains baseline oral hygiene assessment data based upon accepted principles of oral hygiene and periodontal care.
• Records patient-hygienist transactions as they occur in the patient’s dental record so that the dental record accurately and completely reflects the nature of the contact, the condition of the patient and the care or treatment provided.
• Provides oral health education and appropriate individual counseling for all health center dental patients.
• Provides clinical oral hygiene services including dental prophylaxis, scaling, sealant application and fluoride application consistent with accepted professional practices and standards and in compliance with applicable state law and the health center’s clinical protocols.
• Integration of appropriate patient dental hygiene care with other healthcare professionals involved in the patient’s healthcare management.
• Assists in the provision of technical assistance and health education in the community as requested.
• Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by a dentist in accordance with state regulations and law as well as dental department protocol and directive.
• Assists in the maintenance of all dental department areas in compliance with dental department directive and policies as well as health center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues.
• Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business and patient care of the dental department.
• Insures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with dental department directive and health center policy as well as state and federal regulations.
• Complies in full with the center’s exposure control plan.
• As directed by dental director, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.

• Provide in-services to staff on dental issues as needed and requested by Dental Director.
• Accurately codes all services for legal, clinical and payor compliance.
• Deal with clients of all age groups.
• Attend regular chart and case review sessions with all concerned clinic staff.
• Attend staff meetings, training, workshops, and conferences as needed and directed by the Dental Director.
• Assist with community outreach efforts.
• Knowledge of professional and ethical standards of care.
• Knowledge and adherence to safety and conduct rules, other regulations and the policies and procedures of Redwoods Rural Health Center.
• Assist with the development and implementation of dental policy.
• Assist with disease collaborative as needed
• Participates in the division’s CQI quality assurance program
• Participate in CQI and HRSA 330 mandated performance requirements.
• Participates in off site meetings and community events as necessary
• Complies with the terms and conditions of the employment agreement.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• Graduation from an accredited school of dental hygiene.
• Completion of an accredited general practice residency program is preferred.

LICENSURE AND CREDENTIALS

• Unrestricted dental hygienist license to practice in the State of California.
• Current CPR (BLS) certifications.

EXPERIENCE AND/OR SKILLS REQUIRED

• Demonstrated clinical skills in an academic setting and successful completion of an accredited residency program or equivalent.
• Knowledge of the principles and practice of modern oral hygiene and periodontal patient care is necessary. 
• Knowledge of the principles and practice of modern dentistry as related to public health organizations
• Excellent interpersonal and written communications skills required.
• Knowledge of public health principles and practices preferred

OSHA BLOOD BORNE PATHOGEN EXPOSURE CLASSIFICATION

Category I