Outreach Hygienist
Performs assessments of oral health to recognize health and disease. Provides treatment of periodontal disease. Assists patients to maintain a healthy mouth in collaboration with the dental team. Dental care services within the scope of the law may be performed in the traditional clinical dental setting or in alternative practice settings.
POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES/COMPETENCIES:
- Maintains knowledge of established organizational policies and procedures, objectives, performance improvement program, safety, environment of care, management of information and infection control standards.
- Utilizes excellent customer service and team skills at all times.
- Develop and maintains strong professional relationship with supervising dentist and other health center staff.
- Communicates effectively and professionally with patients and team members.
- Plans, implements and monitors the Dental Program in Alternative Practice Settings.
- Complies with federal and state law, regulations, accrediting and licensing agencies at all times.
- Collects and documents patient intake data.
- Provides patient support that reflects considerations for emotional, physical, social, cultural, religious and economic influences, from all age groups.
- Maintains accurate and complete patient records.
- Initiates, suggests or follow-ups on appropriate referrals.
- Maintains appropriate, safe and therapeutic environment per clinic policy. Performs safe emergency techniques according to clinic policies/procedures and is able to identify proper maintenance, special applications and troubleshooting of emergency/lifesaving equipment.
- Performs patient interactions that demonstrate accountability.
- Assists with routine clinic support activities.
- Uses equipment required for implementing patient support consistent with operating instructions and safety regulations.
- Performs the following regular duties including, but not limited to: patient screening for medical conditions; oral health assessment including caries risk assessment; complete periodontal evaluation; oral cancer screening; taking radiographs, charting oral cavity; provide individualized patient education; collaboration with dentist on patient treatment plan; prophylaxis or appropriate periodontal treatments; and other procedures within the scope of license and the dental practice act.
- Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, organizational communique, in-service meetings, and professional conferences.
- Attends and participates in meetings and in-service as required and/or assigned.
- Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.
- Supports the UGLFHC mission by “providing exceptional health care services for all people in the Upper Great Lakes region regardless of their ability to pay.”
EDUCATION, TRAINING, LICENSING, CREDENTIALING & EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:
Required:
- Degree from a Dental Hygienist Program
- Registered Dental Hygienist license
- Life support certification
- Current Michigan RDH license, preferred
- Two or more years of work experience as a dental hygienist, preferred
- Prior experience and strong comfort level using a dental EHR previous experience under PA 161 provide outreach services and programs under general supervision, preferred
- Certification in delivery of local anesthetic, preferred
