Dental Hygienist

Georgia Department of Public Health (GA); Macon (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Clinic startup opportunity

Grant-funded position

Job summary

The Georgia Department of Public Health's North Central Health District seeks a Dental Hygienist to join the HOPE Center Dental Clinic full-time. The clinic serves Ryan White Program clients and includes housing, pharmacy, and transportation services; you will help build the clinic from its start and support comprehensive dental care.

The role is grant-funded and includes a $5,000 hiring supplement awarded after probation.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited college or university.
• Current Georgia dental hygienist license.
• Two years of job-related experience; or one year at the Dental Hygienist 2 level.

Responsibilities

• Performs dental preventative therapies.
• Cleaning, scaling and root planning of teeth and gums.
• Identify infections, diseases, and injuries of the mouth and teeth as appropriate.
• Applies topical fluoride and dental sealants.
• Records procedures and services rendered in EMR system.
• Exposes dental diagnostic x-rays.
• Instruct clients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
• Prepare patients, sterilize instruments, and assist dentist during procedures.
• Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.

Skills

Dental hygiene

Clinical proficiency

Patient education

Tobacco cessation

Education

Associate degree in dental hygiene

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Pay Grade: J

Come join our team!

The North Central Health District (NCHD) is seeking a Dental Hygienist to work full-time at the HOPE Center Dental Clinic. The Hope Center provides medical care, dental services, and case management to Ryan White Program clients. It also includes a housing program, COMPASS Pharmacy, and transportation services to appointments. The Dental Clinic is new, so this is an exciting opportunity to be involved with the clinic from its beginning. This is a grant-funded position and subject to available grant funds.

This position includes a *$5,000 hiring supplement.

*The hiring supplement will be awarded upon successful completion of the probationary period and is subject to the terms and conditions of the hiring supplement agreement.

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Who we are

We protect lives. The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to proudly protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in diverse communities statewide. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing the State of Georgia for responding to disasters.

What we offer

• Make a Professional Impact – Build your career where it matters and protect lives in the community where you live, work, and play
• Enjoy Workplace Flexibility– Experience flexibility in how you work so you can be your best self for you and Georgia Residents
• Work witha Dynamic and Diverse Team– Collaborative and inclusive way of working where employees share ideas and leverage collective strengths
• Achieve Career Longevity – Countless opportunities for continuous learning/development that support a long-term career
• Take Part in a Hands-on Working Culture – Unique culture of active engagement and problem-solving, no matter your role
• Feel Pride in Where you Work – Be part of making an impact in public health alongside dedicated people just like you

Under broad supervision, cleans teeth, examine head, neck and oral areas for signs of oral disease. May educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop X-rays or apply fluoride or sealants. This position requires vision, systematic thinking and independent judgment. Areas of responsibilities will include time management, planning, implementation and evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of the dental clinic. This will involve frequent interactions with the community, patients, providers, staff, etc. May serve as a lead worker when dentist is not on-site.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs dental preventative therapies.
• Cleaning, Scaling and root planning of teeth and gums.
• Identify infections, diseases, and injuries of the mouth and teeth as appropriate.
• Applies topical fluoride and dental sealants.
• Provides consultation and referral as required/needed.
• Records procedures and services rendered in EMR system.
• Conduct dental assessments and evaluations for oral pathology.
• Assists dentist in management of medical and dental emergencies.
• Clean and polishes removable appliances.
• Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
• Instruct clients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
• Prepare patients, sterilize and disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, and assist dentist during dental procedures.
• Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
• Records treatment information in client records.
• Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of clients.
• May train other staff in proper procedures of day-to-day operations.
• Attend educational courses, training and seminars to remain current in the dental field relating to the most recent practices and protocols.
• Perform additional professional responsibilities as assigned.

Associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited college or university and current Georgia dental hygienist license and two (2) years of job-related experience; or one (1) year experience at the lower-level Dental Hygienist 2 (HCT011) or position equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced understanding of dental hygiene practices, clinical procedures, and terminology.
• Strong clinical proficiency in utilizing dental hygiene instruments and equipment effectively.
• Experience providing patient-centered care, including oral hygiene education, tobacco cessation counseling, and promoting overall oral health awareness.

Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner and leaders encourages all employees to engage in regular physical activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being. The use of breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and assist employees in meeting their goals. A maximum of 30 minutes in a given workday may be used to engage in physical activities, generally in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.

Employment Information

Current State employees are subject to State Personnel Board rules regarding salary.

DPH accepts educational credential recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) will be considered. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degree, diploma, licensure, etc.

The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.

As an employee of DPH, in the event of an identified emergency you may be required, as a term and condition of employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.

If you require accommodations under the American Disability Act (ADA), email request by the closing date of this announcement to: [e-mail].

DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer

ADA Statement

The Georgia Department of Public Health is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodations under the American Disability Act (ADA), email request by the closing date of this announcement to: [e-mail].