Expanded Practice Dental Hygienist - Fernhill Clinic

HPSA score 26 = qualifies for HRSA loan repayment programs

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 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 controls to prevent transmission of communicable diseases before/during/after patient care according to county safety standards and protocols; maintain strict control over the disposal of toxic materials; 

• To have ample equipment available for patient care, hygienists are expected to work in central sterilization, including processing and sterilizing instruments for all providers, according to the dental protocol for instrument sterilization. 

• Complete dental/periodontal charting in a timely manner. 

• Maintain a safe workplace according to county safety and health protocols (training to be provided).  All employees will incorporate safe work practices with each task performed and actively participate in initiatives designed to promote a safe work environment.

Productivity 

• Meet productivity goals to maintain patient access and the fiscal sustainability of the dental program, and monitor work accordingly. 

• Plan patient care processes, time for education and answering of patient questions, charting and other documentation requirements, confer with dentists and other team members for needed patient follow-up or unusual situations, and other team functions as needed. 

• Track and report on patient and service demographics, participate in team or committee meetings for service planning, improvements or changes needed to provide dental services based on changing demand, culture, etc. 

Cultural Competency/Stewardship/Teamwork 

• Exhibit teamwork and work in a culturally sensitive fashion with regards to all. Follow direction from supervisors, including Program Supervisors, Dental Program Manager, Dental Senior Manager, Dental Director, and Deputy Dental Director in capacity as a provider, and clinical leader in order to foster teamwork, collegiality, and respect for co-workers and clients. Dentists may direct hygienists to register radiographs, diagnose periodontal conditions, review patient’s health history and other work as listed in the Oregon Dental Practice Act. 

• Provide indirect supervision of Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDA’s) which includes, but is not limited to: Requesting EFDA’s to assist with periodontal charting, taking radiographs, sterilizing instruments, and other duties as expected of an EFDA as it relates to your role as a provider. 

• As a clinical leader dental hygienists must relate to other employees in a courteous, respectful and professional manner with the goal of creating a work culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse populations the Health Department serves in the clinic 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.

• This position must not neglect their duties and responsibilities or refuse to perform assigned work unless such work would constitute a safety hazard. Hygienists are asked to encourage team unity through sharing information, working collaboratively, productive problem solving and seeking input from others.

TO QUALIFY:

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page.

Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills*:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be as noted below. All non-traditional education, training and experience will be evaluated.

Education/Training/Experience: 

• Equivalent to an Associate’s Degree AND,

• Dental Hygienist License issued by the State of Oregon with Local Anesthesia Endorsement (OR Board of Dentistry)

• Nitrous oxide permit - must be obtained within 1 year of hire, then maintained throughout the duration of employment (OR Board of Dentistry)

• BLS CPR Certification (American Heart Association or similar agency)

• Dental Hygiene Expanded practice permit (OR Board of Dentistry)

Multnomah County offers an exceptional benefits package, including employer-funded retirement savings; health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents; paid parental leave; wellness programs; a focus on work-life balance; and much more. Find more details on our benefits website. 

Benefits as a hygienist with Multnomah County health Department