Registered Dental Hygienist

JOB TITLE: Registered Dental Hygienist

Supervisor: General Dentist

Status: Exempt

Salary: Starting at $80,988 annualized

Under the direction of the Dental Director, this position is responsible for the direct provision of oral hygiene and appropriate preventive services to dental patients of the center. The Registered Dental Hygienist will also be responsible for providing appropriate oral health information to individuals and groups.

The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities and position titles as it deems necessary to meet the needs of the government.

• 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 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 center’s clinical protocols.

• Integration of appropriate patient dental hygiene care with other health care professionals involved in the patient’s health care management.

• Organizes and performs preventive oral health presentations at on-site and off-site locations.

• 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 NHBP dental protocol and directive.

• Assists in the maintenance of all Dental Unit areas in compliance with Dental directives and policies as well as overall NHBP 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.

• Assists with various clinical and administrative functions of the center as appropriate and time permits.

• Insures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Dental Department directive and center policy as well as state federal regulations(s).

• Travels when necessary to meet operational needs.

• As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.

• Responsible for personal compliance with all applicable Tribal, federal, state and department rules, regulations, protocols and procedures governing the practice of dental hygiene and the clinical provision of dental hygiene services as well as those relating to, but not limited to, personnel issues, work place safety, public health and confidentiality.

An applicant’s education, training and experience must be sufficient to demonstrate that the applicant possesses the ability to successfully perform each of the essential functions.

The requirements listed below are generally representative of the education, experience, and skills and/or ability required to enable one to successfully perform the essential functions associated with his position:

• Graduation from an accredited school of dental hygiene and licensed to practice in the State of Michigan.

• One year of dental hygiene experience.

• Requires a comprehensive knowledge of oral hygiene care in outpatient settings.

• Knowledge of the principles and practice of modern oral hygiene and periodontal patient care is necessary.

• Cognizant of the public health, social and economic factors which impact on the overall health, and more specifically the oral health of their patients.

• Must be able to creatively work with other health care professionals from a variety of disciplines to achieve maximal program effectiveness and patient benefit.

• Able to understand, gain knowledge and appreciate the difference of Native American culture and customs.

• Must maintain a valid driver's license with good driving record; GSA certifiable.

• Must be able to travel.

• Must be able to successfully complete and pass a comprehensive background investigation and drug screening; must not have been found guilty of, or pled guilty or no contest to, any felony or misdemeanor offense under federal, state or Tribal law involving crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, prostitution, or other crimes against persons, or offenses committed against children; must be able to successfully pass a drug screening.

• Ability to become CPR/First Aid certified as training is available

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, including HIPAA requirements.

• Excellent interpersonal/human relation skills.

• Must possess strong administrative, organizational, and communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Demonstrated exceptional computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheets, and knowledge of other office equipment required.

• Strong ability to organize and maintain electronic and physical files.

• Ability to read and interpret documents.

• Ability to be self-directed and be an excellent problem solver.

• Ability to work well in team centered environment with or without immediate supervision.

• Ability to work with constant interruptions and organize/prioritize duties.

• Professional demeanor and appearance.

• Two years working in a Tribal Health Clinic

• Knowledge of Dentrix Software

• Knowledge of Tribal, Indian Health Services regulations and requirements.

This position may contain information that is security sensitive and thereby subject to additional provisions. All information obtained will be protected under IHS/HIPAA policy rules and regulations.

Tribal preference will be applied in accordance with the NHBP Indian Preference in Employment Code which requires that preference in employment be afforded to NHBP members, spouse/parents of NHBP members and Native Americans who meet the minimum qualifications and can successfully perform the essential functions for the position.