Dental Hygienist

University of the Pacific; Stockton (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

University of the Pacific seeks a compassionate Dental Hygienist to provide preventive oral care for patients in the Special Care Clinic, including those with disabilities and complex medical needs.

Under supervision, you will perform procedures such as local anesthesia, nitrous oxide sedation, radiographs, and plan individualized care while ensuring infection control and high-quality patient care. Engagement with caregivers and community outreach is encouraged.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles and practices of periodontal and preventive dentistry.
• Ability to provide local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, root planing, and other services allowed under California law.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, patients, and caregivers.

Responsibilities

• Provide periodontal and dental hygiene services in the Special Care Clinic, including local anesthesia under faculty supervision and nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation.
• Maintain infection control standards and a safe clinical environment.
• Monitor recall/maintenance, schedule recalls, and follow-up exams.
• Record and maintain accurate patient records in dental software.
• Develop individualized care plans tailored to patients' needs and abilities.

Skills

Dental Hygiene

Expanded functionsCA

Infection control

Patient education

Education

Bachelor's or associate degree in dental hygiene

Active Registered Dental Hygienist licensure in California

Job description

Primary Purpose

Under the general supervision of the Specialty Clinic, Clinic Manager provides periodontal and dental hygiene services, to include expanded functions as licensed in the State of California and by participating in Special Care programs and community relation activities. We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Dental Hygienist to provide preventive oral care and patient education to individuals with special healthcare needs. The ideal candidate is patient, adaptable, and experienced (or interested) in working with patients who may have physical, developmental, behavioral, or sensory challenges, and medically complex patients. University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty, and staff.

Essential Functions

Provide periodontal care and dental hygiene services for patients in the Special Care Clinic to include local anesthesia under direct supervision of a faculty member, charting of periodontal condition, and nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation; take digital radiographs when necessary. Maintain infection control standards and ensure a safe clinical environment Monitor the recall/maintenance program for Special Care Clinic patients, including scheduling recall appointments and follow up exams as needed. Record/maintain accurate, up-to-date patient records to include health history, treatment record, medical consult and other patient care information in dental software. Develop individualized care plans tailored to patients’ specific needs and abilities. Educate patients regarding prevention of dental disease; communicate effectively with caregivers of patients with disabilities. Recommend appropriate therapeutic regimens to prevent, manage, and reduce dental decay. Analyze and assist in procedural problem resolution in the daily operation of the clinic. Monitor and assess inventory related to periodontal and hygiene services; communicate inventory needs to Clinic Manager. Assist with and conduct Special Care Clinic and community public relations projects. Perform all other assignments as directed by the Clinic Manager, Special Care Clinic.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of periodontal and preventive dentistry. Basic educational principles. Ability to: Provide a variety of clinical services to include local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, root planning and all other services allowable under California State law. Communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff patients, and caregivers. Apply patient management and time management skills. Project a professional image. Work in fast paced environment and maintain professional composure and demeanor. Manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously, Adapt equipment, positioning, and communication methods for patients with disabilities. Provide high-quality, science based dental care with compassion and empathy. Embrace change, be adaptable to what is required for patient care. Collaborate with the dental team (including dental students) to ensure efficient patient flow and provide excellent care. Experience: Minimum of two years dental hygienist experience. Experience working/ communicating to people with disabilities and their caregivers/ family. Education: Bachelor’s or associate degree from an accredited dental hygiene program.Active Registered Dental Hygienist licensure from the Dental Hygiene Board of California.

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to: Communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff and patients. Apply patient management and time management skills. Project a professional image. Work in fast paced environment and maintain professional composure and demeanor. Manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously. Ability to assist with patient positioning and mobility when necessary. Other: Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting. Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.

Work Schedule

Position is eight (8) hours per day, five (5) days per week.