Dental Hygienist

The Dental Hygienist provides comprehensive preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene services to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native beneficiaries. Working under the general supervision of a licensed dentist, the hygienist supports the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model and helps meet clinical performance indicators.$110,000 - $115,000 a yearLocation: Taos-Picuris Health Center, Taos, NM Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Key ResponsibilitiesClinical Services- Perform dental prophylaxis, scaling and root planning, oral debridement, and periodontal assessments.- Conduct oral cancer screenings and perform radiographic procedures.- Apply topical fluorides, pit and fissure sealants, and other preventive agents.- Administer local anesthesia and deliver locally delivered antimicrobials.- Identify and chart conditions of decay and periodontal disease.- Fabricate temporary restorations and clean/polish removable dental appliances.- Assist with dental and medical emergencies within the scope of practice.Patient Care and Education- Prepare treatment rooms and patients according to established protocols.- Provide oral hygiene instruction, plaque control guidance, and post-treatment instructions to patients.- Respond to patient questions and concerns professionally.Documentation and Administrative Support- Document all patient encounters in the IHS Dentrix system on the date of service.- Maintain strict patient confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and the Privacy Act.- Ensure all chart deficiencies are completed within 24 hours of notification.- Maintain dental instruments through proper cleaning, sterilization, and sharpening.- Monitor and conserve dental supplies and equipment.Minimum Qualifications- Education: Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited institution.- Licensure: Current, active, and unrestricted Dental Hygienist license from any U.S. state or territory.- Experience: At least three (3) years of dental hygiene experience, including work with both adult and pediatric populations.- Certifications:o Current radiography (X-ray) certification.o Authorization to administer local anesthetics (if applicable by state law).o Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Compliance and Requirements- Background Check: Must successfully complete a background investigation, including e-QIP, Indian Child Protection Act (P.L. 101-630), and character investigations.- Training: Must complete Information Systems Security Awareness (ISSA), HIPAA, and Privacy Act training- Citizenship: Must be US Citizen

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