Dental Hygienist

University of Colorado Anschutz; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Colorado Anschutz College of Nursing is seeking a full-time Dental Hygienist for Sheridan Health Services in Denver, CO. The role emphasizes preventive and therapeutic dental care, patient education, and collaboration within an integrated care team.

Responsibilities include clinical hygiene procedures, radiographs, documentation in Epic, and participation in BOHI/MDI programs. A Colorado license, BLS, and a patient-centered approach are required.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Dental Hygiene program.
• Current Colorado Dental Hygienist license or eligibility to obtain licensure by date of hire.
• Current BLS/CPR certification or ability to obtain by date of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assess dental conditions and treatment needs using patient histories and chairside exams.
• Deliver direct patient care and perform dental hygiene procedures per standards of care.
• Maintain documentation in Epic and related electronic health record systems.
• Take radiographs and collaborate with the dentist on findings and imaging needs.
• Educate patients and families on oral hygiene and prevention.

Skills

Clinical judgment

Patient education

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Accredited Dental Hygiene program

Colorado Dental Hygienist license or eligibility

BLS/CPR certification

Tools

Epic Wisdom

Job description

University of Colorado Anschutz

Department: College of Nursing

Job Title: Dental Hygienist

Position #: 00854000 - Requisition #: 41453

Job Summary

The CU College of Nursing is seeking a full-time (1.0 FTE), benefits-eligible Dental Hygienist within its Federally Qualified Health Center, Sheridan Health Services, located in southwest Denver, CO (zip code: 80236). This Dental Hygienist will provide quality oral health care to patients at the primary location and community settings. Sheridan Health Services (SHS) seeks a compassionate, skilled, and collaborative Registered Dental Hygienist to provide comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral healthcare services for pediatric and adult patients. This position plays a vital role within an integrated healthcare environment that supports Behavioral Oral Health Integration (BOHI), Medical Dental Integration (MDI), Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), and Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) models of care. This position serves as a clinical provider, educator, patient advocate, and collaborative member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in patient care, documentation, quality improvement, community outreach, regulatory compliance, and student mentorship while supporting the mission, vision, and strategic goals of SHS and the University.

Clinic Description

Sheridan Health Services is a multi-site, nurse-managed federally qualified community health center, funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration Bureau of Primary Healthcare, and is a collaborative effort between the College of Nursing and the Sheridan School District. There are now two convenient locations to serve community health needs primarily for residents of Arapahoe, Denver, and Jefferson counties. Sheridan Health Services is located in southwest Denver on the Fort Logan campus and provides services to adults and children, 65% of whom identify as Latinx, and 42% of whom are best served in another language, with Spanish being the predominant second language. Services offered include primary care across the lifespan; prenatal and postpartum care, gynecology, dentistry, pharmacy, health, and outpatient substance abuse treatment.

https://nursing.cuanschutz.edu/patient-care/sheridan-health-services

Supervision Received

Work is performed under the general direction and authority of the Sheridan Health Services Dental Director.

Examples of Duties Performed

• Assesses dental conditions and treatment needs utilizing patient screening procedures, including review of medical, dental, and behavioral health histories, medications, allergies, radiographs, and dental/periodontal charting to formulate a dental hygiene diagnosis.
• Delivers direct patient care and performs dental hygiene procedures in accordance with Colorado licensure and established standards of care.
• Performs preventive and periodontal procedures for patients of all ages, including prophylaxis, full mouth debridement, scaling in the presence of gingival inflammation, scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, polishing, and flossing.
• Obtains and documents vital signs, blood glucose levels, oral pH, salivary flow measurements, and other screenings as indicated by clinic policy and procedures.
• Maintains accurate, timely, and complete documentation in Epic and related electronic health record systems, including dental histories, treatment plans, procedures, referrals, consultations, prescriptions, and patient communications.
• Takes, processes, and evaluates dental radiographs; collaborates with the dentist regarding diagnostic findings and additional imaging needs.
• Refers patients to dentists or specialists for treatment beyond the scope of dental hygiene practice.
• Applies fluoride treatments, sealants, and caries-arresting medicaments as indicated.
• Takes impressions and prepares study models as needed.
• Demonstrates knowledge of documentation, coding, billing, and compliance best practices.
• Manages resources responsibly and supports fiscally sound clinical operations.
• Records and reports pertinent observations and patient reactions to dental staff.
• Documents laboratory procedures and follows up on results as appropriate.
• Educates patients and families regarding oral hygiene, caries prevention, periodontal disease prevention, and other oral health topics.
• Cleans, sterilizes, and maintains instruments and equipment in compliance with infection control standards.
• Participates in Behavioral Oral Health Integration (BOHI), Medical Dental Integration (MDI), Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), and Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) initiatives.
• Collects and reports data for grant, quality improvement, and performance measurement activities.
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives, chart audits, regulatory compliance activities, and accreditation processes.
• Orients dental doctoral students, dental assistant students, and dental hygiene students as assigned.
• Assists with inventory management, ordering, and maintenance of dental equipment and supplies.
• Collaborates with the multidisciplinary team, utilizing key performance indicators to support innovative and cost-effective changes to practice.
• Ensures compliance with University, College, professional, HIPAA, OSHA, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Participates in provider and staff recruitment, credentialing activities, and departmental meetings as requested.
• Serves as a professional role model and supports the mission, vision, values, and strategic goals of Sheridan Health Services and the University of Colorado.

This description is a summary only and describes the general level of work being performed; it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business need. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.

Work Location

On-site - Sheridan Health Services, 3525 W. Oxford Avenue, Unit G1, Denver, CO 80236. This position provides care at the primary location and in community settings, with travel to community outreach locations as required.

Why Join Us

CU Nursing is an amazing place to be. We have the distinct advantage of being a part of a huge medical campus with three incredible hospitals - the VA, the nationally ranked University of Colorado Hospital, and the Children's Hospital Colorado where our nursing students and faculty learn every day. From our beginning 125 years ago as part of the School of Medicine at CU Boulder to our current home at the Anschutz Medical Campus, the college has been a recognized leader in nursing education (ranked #10 in online MS graduate programs by U.S. News & World Report 2023). Our faculty, students, and staff have been instrumental in shaping the profession of nursing and teaching the next generation of nurses while treating patients in our own nurse-led clinics. Be a part of an innovative, dynamic, diverse, and exciting workplace -- helping make great things happen.

Join us in our quest to boldly transform health together.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offerexceptional amounts of holiday, vacation, and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package, including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 15/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced-rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Dental Hygiene program.
• Current, unrestricted Colorado Dental Hygienist license or eligibility to obtain licensure by date of hire.
• Current BLS/CPR certification or ability to obtain by date of hire.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year of clinical dental hygiene experience.
• Experience in a community health center, public health, academic, or integrated healthcare setting.
• Experience with Epic Wisdom or similar electronic health record systems.
• Conversational Spanish/English bilingual proficiency in a clinical setting.
• Experience working with diverse and underserved populations.
• Experience teaching, precepting, or mentoring healthcare students.

Conditions of Employment

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.
• Must participate in health plan credentialing and contracting activities as required.
• Must remain credentialed with health plans accepted by Sheridan Health Services.
• Must comply with University, College, SHS, and professional policies and procedures.
• Must be able to work in a clinical environment with exposure to biological hazards and infectious diseases.
• Must be willing and able to travel to community outreach locations as required.
• Must be willing and able to obtain and maintain a Colorado Dental Hygienist license by the date of hire.
• Must be willing and able to obtain and maintain a valid NPI number by the date of hire.
• Must be willing and able to obtain and maintain valid Colorado Medicaid Provider enrollment by the date of hire.
• Must be willing and able to complete and maintain CAQH credentialing by the date of hire.
• Must be willing and able to actively participate in health plan contracts.
• Must be willing and able to treat both adult and pediatric populations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to exercise sound clinical judgment and prioritize competing patient and organizational needs.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and patient education skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Ability to manage schedules and maintain productivity expectations, including a full clinic schedule.
• Proficiency with electronic health record systems and related technologies.
• Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, professionalism, reliability, and accountability.
• Commitment to HIPAA compliance, patient confidentiality, and ethical practice.
• Strong adherence to OSHA guidelines and dedication to safety in the workplace.
• Commitment to clinical excellence, operational effectiveness, and continuous quality improvement.
• Comprehensive knowledge of dental materials and equipment, their use, maintenance, and storage.
• Highly responsible, reliable, and courteous.

Screening of Applications Begins

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received within two (2) weeks of the posting date. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $65,376 to $70,612.80.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [e-mail].

Background Check Statement

The University of Colorado Anschutz is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine-preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety-sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.