This job exists to:  Provide high quality dental care that is culturally appropriate and prevention focused. Serves as a leader contributing to the smooth, efficient, operation of the department, the site and the organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical:

Maintain own dental hygienist practice as defined by the Clinica guidelines.

Screening and evaluating patients in regard to caries risk, periodontal pathology, medical history.

Providing clinical services, including selecting, exposing, and processing of digital radiographs, prophylaxes, supra and sub gingival scaling and curettage, root planning, procedures involving team periodontal surgical techniques, according to Clinica’s guidelines.

Providing preventive clinical and educational services, including instruction of proper oral hygiene home care techniques, tooth brushing, flossing, nutrition, need for professional care, and topical fluorides.

Administration of local anesthetics and gross debridement in treatment of acute periodontal conditions.

Performance of expanded duties where qualified, as delegated by dentist and governed by Colorado law.

Hygiene on the Pods:

Primarily responsible for the initiation and maintenance of the dental prevention and dental education program in an integrated medical setting, working with both medical and dental team members for coordination.

Accurately and appropriately assess caries risk, application of fluoride treatments, and dissemination of oral health education to parents and children in the medical setting in one-on-one visits or in group visits. Identification of and assistance in patient establishment of a dental home.

Travel between medical and dental clinic sites may be required.

Maximize community linkages while acting as advocate for patients.

Clinical and Hygiene on the Pods:

Exhibits positive leadership skills, actively striving to improve the patient and staff experience of Clinica, as well as strong communication skills, including willingness to grow and develop skills in motivational interviewing.

Effective use of the electronic dental record (EDR), registries, dental radiology, and templates.

Work in coordination with dentists, other dental team members, and medical team members to effectively manage patient care and develop clinical guidelines within scope of dental hygiene practice.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maintain a safe work environment by remaining informed of and compliant with the clinic’s safety policies, and in particular by application of safe practices in area of own responsibility.

Compliance:

Knowledgeable of and compliant with all laws and regulations governing area of responsibility.

Responsible for reporting any potentially non-compliant conduct.

Cooperate fully with our Compliance Officer in upholding our Compliance Plan.

Leadership and modeling of Clinica values.

Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION:  No

SCOPE OF AUTHORITY:

Responsible for helping to create a high quality, effective dental practice that meets the needs of our target area.

Progress is reviewed quarterly and results are measured and formally evaluated annually.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Graduation from an accredited School of Dental Hygiene.

Possession of a current Colorado license as a registered dental hygienist.

Previous experience desired, but not required.

Certification to administer local anesthesia (not required for those who provide hygiene only on the Pods).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Working knowledge of all phases of the field of dental hygiene.

Skill in the techniques of oral hygiene procedures and the use of equipment, instruments, and materials.

Basic computer skills required.

Knowledge and practice of preventative dentistry and ability to instruct patients individually and in groups.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients and staff.

Ability to work in a team environment required.

Sensitivity to low income and ethnic minority community a must.

Excellent coaching skills.

Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

PRINCIPAL WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

All Clinica employees and managers and leadership

Medical pod staff

Patients

Outside contacts such as dental schools and other dental providers

 MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT DIRECTLY USED:

Dental materials and equipment

Electronic dental record

Computer

Data and data-based development and resources

Telephone

 WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:

Risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens

Dental Operatory and equipment as well as usual office environment

Ability to travel from clinic to clinic in own vehicle as required. Hygienists must be able/willing to drive from/spend time in both our on-site dental clinics in Adams County and our Boulder County medical sites

One evening per week is required

May require work outside of normal business hours

What we offer:

Competitive Vacation Time

Paid Holidays

Medical Benefits

Dental Benefits

Vision Plan

Retirement Plan

Flexible Spending Account

Growth Opportunities

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

One Professional Membership

All fees associated with your license, DEA, board certification, etc. are covered by Clinica

FTCA Malpractice Insurance

Colorado Health Service Corps and National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment potential

Potential for relocation assistance

COVID-19 Vaccine (Required) Religious or Medical Exemptions available via application process.

Clinica Family Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.