Job Description

This position is contingent upon award

International Health and Medical Services is looking for an experienced Dental Hygienist to manage the delivery of advanced prophylactic and preventive dental hygiene procedures as prescribed in addition to chairside assisting when necessary. The dental hygienist participates in dental instrument processing, sterilization and monitoring procedures, sick call assessments and clinic cleaning and infection control practices. The dental hygienist performs a variety of clerical and administrative tasks as directed by the dentist directed towards the maintenance of access to oral health care services within prescribed policy and accreditation standards.

• Provides direct dental hygiene care as prescribed to patients in a detention and/or residential setting in accordance with prescribed IHSC policy and pertinent accreditation standards.
• Assesses dental sick call patients under the general supervision of a licensed dentist in accordance with IHSC policy.
• Performs optimum sterilization and/or disinfection procedures including instrument processing and spore testing in accordance with IHSC policy and CDC guidelines.
• Takes digital and/or film radiographs as ordered on patients including bitewing, periapical, and panoramic x-rays.
• Observes IHSC radiation safety protocols, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Radiation Protection Guidance and recommendations, National Council on Radiation Protection Guidance, and American Dental Association recommendations/guidance when exposing dental radiographs to assure optimal patient and provider safety.
• Participates in sharps and instrument accountability in the dental clinic through performance and logging of daily inventory of all sharps and instruments at the beginning and end of each workday.
• Performs electronic and paper record keeping functions in accordance with program policies and training.
• Assists the dentist with procedures including operatory set up and clean up.
• Collects and organizes dental data and submits to the Regional Dental Consultant in a timely manner.
• Attends monthly dental teleconferences, organizational and local duty station meetings.
• May periodically be asked to travel to support dental care at other sites.
• Performs duties in support of the local medical unit and/or IHSC Dental Program (e.g. equipment maintenance, supply/equipment acquisition, performance improvement initiatives, training program development, etc).
• Adheres to and maintains awareness of all IHSC policies, procedures, directives, operational memoranda and accreditation standards.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in all communications with coworkers and clients, fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment that values diversity.
• Complete required organizational compliance education, including assigned requirements that are client-specified, for Joint Commission Healthcare Staffing Services certification or other regulatory bodies.

This list is non-exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake additional duties that are not specifically listed above.

Qualifications

Required Licensure / Certification:

• Must have and maintain an unrestricted and current license as a Dental Hygienist issued by the state licensing authority in the state where services are performed.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required. If not American Heart Association (AHA) certified, must be within first year.

Required Education and Experience:

• Graduate from a Dental Hygienist program located in a State, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory that is accredited by the American Dental Association and the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) in the year of the applicant’s graduation.
• Must have 1-year recent work experience in the United States as a licensed practicing Dental Hygienist.
• Licensure permitting administration of local anesthesia preferred.

Attributes and Professional Qualities:

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Critical thinking skills 4.
• Cultural competency.
• Integrity and honesty.
• Experience in a detention/correctional or residential healthcare setting (preferred, not required).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of dental science such as oral anatomy, oral physiology and histology, the principles and technique of four handed dentistry, periodontics, and dental materials.
• Must adhere to requirements for safety, infection control, quality assurance, clinical documentation, and data management.
• Completes and passes all competency testing initially, annually, and as needed.
• Completes all initial, annual and ad hoc training as required/assigned.
• Ability to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in diagnostic and treatment procedures.
• Ability to communicate proficiently in English (verbal and written).
• Ability to respond to and assist with medical emergencies.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural and multi-lingual environment.
• Ability to adapt to sudden changes in schedules and flexibility in work requirements.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to navigate in an electronic work environment including electronic health records, web based training and communications.
• Knowledge of, and moderate proficiency in, common Microsoft Office programs, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and SharePoint.
• Knowledge of regulations on the confidentiality of medical records and information (HIPAA/Privacy Act) and applicable accreditation standards.

Physical Requirements:

• Required to walk unaided at a normal pace for up to 5 minutes and maintain balance.
• Required to jog/fast walk up to ¼ mile.
• Requires physical exertion such as lifting objects greater than 30 pounds.
• Required to perform CPR/emergency care standing or kneeling.
• Must have the ability to assist sick, injured, or aging patients or staff exiting the building (may require lifting, dragging, wheeling, or carrying someone who weighs significantly more than self).
• Must be able to see, hear and smell with aids if necessary.
• Must be able to lift, push, or carry 30 pounds.
• Must perform the duties of my job in a stressful and often austere environment without physical limitations.
• Sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time.
• Average manual dexterity for computer operation.
• Phone or computer use for extended periods of time.

Other Special Qualifications:

• Must maintain current/physical residency in the continental U.S.
• Pass a medical examination conducted by a licensed physician within 30 days prior to initial assignment.
• U.S. citizen that has resided in the U.S. for the last five years (unless abroad on official U.S. government duty).
• Successfully engage in and complete a thorough Background Investigation.
• Poses or have ability to obtain required security clearances.
• Proficiency in Spanish is preferred.

Additional Information

Pay range is based on several factors and may vary in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. Final salary and offer will be determined by the applicant’s background, experience, skills, internal equity, and alignment with geographical market data.

Benefits – Full-time positions are eligible for our comprehensive and competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Additional benefits include a 401k plan paid time off and an annual bonus. International Health and Medical Services complies with all federal, state, and local minimum wage laws.

International Health and Medical Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with the applicable federal, state and local laws.