Dental Hygienist

Nleague Services Inc; Smyrna (TN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Division of Community Health Services (CHS) seeks a Clinical Dental Hygienist to perform dental hygiene duties in a public health facility under supervision. Responsibilities include prophylaxis, scaling, clinical assessments, X-rays, patient education, and collaboration with dentists to plan referrals.

This is a full-time contract position with schedule Monday–Friday. The role supports fluoridation programs and population-wide dental health strategies, with travel as needed within the

Qualifications

• Currently licensed as a Registered Dental Hygienist and experience equivalent to one year of clinical dental hygiene practice.
• This position requires a current driver’s license, CPR certification and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation background check.

Responsibilities

• Performs routine dental hygiene procedures such as prophylaxis, debridement, scaling and root planning, local anesthesia administration, fluoride varnish and SDF application, and sealant placement.
• Performs oral cancer screening and conducts periodontal evaluations and other oral health assessments.
• Applies desensitizing agents to treat dental sensitivity.
• Applies antimicrobial agents to treat periodontal infections.
• Takes dental X-rays for diagnostic purposes and disinfects operatory; sterilizes instruments after every patient treatment.
• Assists in the management and maintenance of equipment and supplies including autoclave, ultrasonic cleaner, and dental unit water lines.
• Provides appropriate post-treatment education for patients and educates on proper oral hygiene and preventive care.
• Supports fluoridation programs and population-wide dental health strategies.
• Ensures daily productivity goals align with Tennessee Department of Health guidelines; manages priorities and efficiency.
• Documents patient information according to standards of care and completes health records (electronic and paper).
• Collaborates with dentists on treatment plans and referrals; identifies urgent referral needs.

Job description

Clinical Dental Hygienist

The Division of Community Health Services (CHS) is seeking a Clinical Dental Hygienist. CHS provides public health, primary care, and dental services in health departments throughout the state. Under general or direct supervision, the Health Services Dental Hygienist is responsible for clinical dental hygiene duties in a public health facility. Applicants should be customer-focused, self-motivated, team-oriented, and willing to travel as needed, throughout the region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Performs routine dental hygiene procedures such as prophylaxis, debridement, scaling and root planning and local anesthesia administration, fluoride varnish and SDF application, and sealant placement, according to department protocols.
• Performs oral cancer screening and conducts oral health assessments including periodontal evaluations and screenings.
• Applies desensitizing agents to treat dental sensitivity.
• Apply antimicrobial agents to treat periodontal infections.
• Takes dental X-rays for diagnostic purposes and disinfects operatory and sterilizes instruments after every dental patient treatment.
• Assists in the management and maintenance of equipment and supplies including autoclave, ultrasonic cleaner, and dental unit water lines and other tasks, as assigned.
• Provides appropriate post treatment and education for patients.
• Educates patients on proper oral hygiene practices, preventive care, and on the link between oral health and overall health.
• Ensures accomplishment of daily productivity goals in alignment with the Tennessee Department of Health Model Dental Clinic guidelines. Manages priorities and individual efficiency to assist in meeting identified goals for encounters and Relative Value Units.
• Documents patient information according to standards of care.
• Completes patient dental health records (electronic and paper).
• Collaborates with dentists on treatment plans and referrals.
• Identifies and provides referrals for patients with urgent dental needs.
• Offers guidance on tobacco cessation, nutritional counseling and HPV vaccination to promote oral and systemic health.
• Supports fluoridation programs and other population-wide dental health strategies

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Currently licensed as a Registered Dental Hygienist and experience equivalent to one year of clinical dental hygiene practice. This position requires a current driver’s license, CPR certification and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation background check.

Details:

• This is a contract position with the State that is funded through FY 2031.
• Position is full-time, M-F 8:00-4:30 PM

Background Verification

Minimum Verification Requirements - Please complete the following verification with Accurate/InfoCubic upon candidate's selection.

• TN Combined Counties & Statewide Search
• Address History Locator
• National Criminal Record Search
• Sex Offender Registry
• Criminal County & Statewide Search - 7 year search, based on residential address history
• Criminal Federal Search - 7 year search, based on residential address history
• Global Watch AKAs - Search current name and all additional names

Please review the comments section of this requisition for any additional background check requirements.