Dental Hygienist

University of Colorado; South Dakota; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Colorado Anschutz in Denver, CO, invites applications for a full-time Dental Hygienist within Sheridan Health Services. The role supports preventive and therapeutic oral health services in a Federally Qualified Health Center, serving pediatric and adult patients.

As a clinical provider and educator, you will document care, participate in quality improvement, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to advance integrated care models and multilingual patient outreach.

Responsibilities

• Assesses dental conditions and treatment needs using patient screening, medical/dental histories, radiographs and charting to formulate a dental hygiene diagnosis.
• Delivers direct patient care and performs dental hygiene procedures in accordance with Colorado licensure and standards of care.
• Performs preventive and periodontal procedures for patients of all ages, including prophylaxis, full mouth debridement, scaling in 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 documentation in Epic and related EHR 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.

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 stu