Expanded Practice Dental Hygienist - Fernhill Clinic

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Pay Range:

$46.70 - $57.43 Hourly

Department:

Health Department

Job Type:

Regular Represented

Exemption Status:

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

The Opportunity:

THIS WORK MATTERS!

This dental hygienist position qualifies for Loan Repayment Options

We seek leaders, achievers and doers who bring skill and passion to a challenging and evolving environment.  At the Multnomah County Health Department we are all inspired by the mission: We work with communities to advance health equity, protect the most vulnerable, and prompt health and wellness for everyone and we uphold the values: Compassion and Care, Empowerment, Racial Equity, Creativity and Integrity. We create a culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse population we serve in our communities. We’re seeking a visionary and dynamic leader who is creative in problem solving and contributes new ideas and solutions to the organization to join our team in Integrated Clinical Services 

At Multnomah County Integrated Clinical Systems (ICS) the Dental Hygienist provides direct periodontal and dental hygiene treatment and education in oral health maintenance and disease prevention to dental clinic patients and the community. The dental hygienist is an integral member of the dental program and participates in many aspects of clinical operations, including disease control, prevention, sterilization, as well as infection control, scheduling, evaluating and improving workflows, among other duties. 

As with all positions within the Health Department, Dental Hygienists are expected to create a work culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse populations the Health Department serves in the office and in the community. Every employee shares the responsibility for promptly bringing to the County's attention conduct that interferes with providing a work environment free of illegal discrimination and harassment.

*As a newly hired Dental Hygienist, you will receive a one-time New Hire Recruitment and Retention Incentive payment of $1,500 on your first paycheck. The incentive will be prorated based on the position's FTE status.

As the Expanded Practice Dental Hygienist, other duties will include:

Clinical Functions 

• Provide clinical dental hygiene services, including prophylaxis, debridement, scaling and root planning, complete periodontal charting and periodontal treatment, as well as administer topical and local anesthetic, expose and mount dental radiographs, place dental sealants, apply fluoride varnish, evaluate and record blood pressure, review and sign paper medical history and proper chart documentation. 

• Address dental anxiety according to patients’ needs including but not limited to the administration of nitrous oxide when appropriate.

• Educate patients on preventive dental actions that improve dental and overall health of patient, to include practical and physical demonstration of best brushing and cleaning methods, new techniques or products that help for better cleaning and maintenance of teeth and mouth health, and provide written materials as an avenue to reinforce best oral health techniques. 

• Demonstrate and teach oral hygiene methods and develop individual prevention plan for each client that considers the patient’s physical, mental and emotional skills and/or limitations. Prescribe fluoride and antimicrobial solutions. 

• Provide triage for emergencies to improve patient flow and respond to emergency situations of patients in clinic or presenting for services.

• Consult with dentists for patient care and complex medical history or in-person needs. 

• Consult for referrals for specialized care or services beyond those provided in clinics or at another County location. Coordinate with Dental Scheduler on needed treatment and scheduling of appointment(s), etc.

• Dental hygienists may provide guidance to dental/hygiene students. 

Infection Control/Safety 

• Oversee, maintain, and support strict asepsis contr