Job Role Summary

This position is responsible for providing dental hygiene services that prevent and treat diseases of the mouth.  It provides services that help patients prevent gum disease and cavities i.e., removal of deposits from teeth, application of sealants and fluoride to prevent decay, and oral health instruction/education.  It requires participation in and coordination/scheduling of dental health education in community health fairs.  It orders, maintains and provides dental health materials for dental education i.e., pamphlets, brochures and posters.  It is involved in community contact and promotion of the Smile Mobile.  This position is a salaried clinical position (exempt from over-time).  

Associated Job Duties

• Provides preventive and periodontal care to patients. 
• Helps patients understand their oral condition by using motivational and educational techniques; enables patients to improve and maintain their oral health. 
• Contacts and corresponds with schools, camps, organizations, etc. to provide educational presentations on oral health. 
• Schedules and logs participation in oral health presentations and community health fairs. 
• Meets continuing education requirements to maintain current knowledge, skills and licensure.
• Creates a favorable, positive work environment; identifies and responds to customer and co-worker needs in a courteous, professional, respectful and timely manner. 
• Demonstrates sensitivity, tolerance and respect to diversity issues/concerns and for others. 
• Consistently meets department and corporate attendance standards.
• Consistently manages time effectively to ensure timely completion of assigned duties. 
• Demonstrates flexibility in dealing with changing work demands.
• Expands abilities professionally and seeks new ways of improving services; initiates own learning opportunities. 
• Complies at all times with HIPAA regulations.  Follows or takes appropriate procedures to protect and keep information confidential.
• Participates in a minimum of two H.O.P.E. events totaling a minimum of eight (8) hours annually; occasional evenings or weekends may be required to assist with health fairs or other departmental/organizational activities and special events. 
• Participates in public health emergency preparedness exercises and in the response to public health emergencies, as directed; must complete NIMS training 100 and 700. 
• Complies with all Personnel Policies and Procedures as established by Health and Hospital Corporation. 
• Complies with dental department quality assurance/improvement policies and procedures in accordance with the ADA, OSHA, CDC, State of Indiana and MCPHD guidelines, regulations or statutes.
• Other duties as assigned.   

Qualifications

• Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited Dental Hygiene Program
• 1 year of previous experience
• Current, valid, and unrestricted dental hygiene license issued by the State of Indiana.  
• Current CPR certification
• Valid Indiana drivers’ license and reliable transportation

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Current, valid, and unrestricted dental hygiene license issued by the State of Indiana.  
• Current CPR certification
• Valid Indiana drivers’ license and reliable transportation

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of principles, practices, methods, techniques of dental hygiene
• Knowledge in assessing signs and symptoms of oral disease
• Knowledge of health and dental agencies where patients can be referred for consultation or treatment
• Knowledge of Indiana Dental Law and Ethics
• Ability to communicate effectively with members of various socio-economic groups
• Ability to interact effectively and tactfully in complex, uncertain, and stressful situations with patients, personnel, and the public 
• Ability to respond accurately and rapidly to crisis situations, maintaining a controlled atmosphere under pressure 

Working Environment

• Requires close eye work: 85%
• Unconfined sitting: 30%
• Confined sitting: 80%
• Standing or walking: 40%
• Steady use of hands or fingers: 90%
• Bend, lift, carry, etc. with arms and legs: 25%