Dental Hygienist

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Stockton (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

University of the Pacific is seeking a compassionate Dental Hygienist for the Special Care Clinic in California. The role includes periodontal and hygiene services, local anesthesia under supervision, digital radiographs, and nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation where allowed by state law.

The ideal candidate has at least two years of experience, a California RDH license, and the ability to educate patients and caregivers, including those with disabilities, in a fast-paced academic setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or associate degree in dental hygiene and California RDH licensure.
• Two years minimum dental hygienist experience.
• Experience with patients with disabilities is preferred.
• Ability to educate patients and caregivers on prevention and care.

Responsibilities

• Provide periodontal care and dental hygiene services in the Special Care Clinic, including local anesthesia under supervision.
• Take digital radiographs and perform nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation when appropriate.
• Maintain infection control standards and a safe clinical environment.
• Manage recall/maintenance scheduling and follow-up exams for Special Care Clinic patients.
• Record accurate patient data and develop individualized care plans.
• Educate patients and caregivers on prevention and treatment options.
• Assist with clinic operations and inventory related to hygiene services.
• Support Special Care Clinic and community outreach projects.
• Collaborate with the dental team to ensure efficient patient flow.

Skills

Dental hygiene

Communication

Time management

Patient care

Disability care

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or associate degree in dental hygiene

California RDH licensure

Job description

Dental Hygienist

Primary Purpose: Under the general supervision of the Specialty Clinic, ClinicManager 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.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative but not definitive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Position requires alternate standing and sitting throughout the working hours.
• Occasional reaching and bending
• Frequent handling of instruments.
• Occasional computer and telephone use.

Hiring Range:

$62.00 - $69.00 per hour. We consider factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, internal equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Background Check Statement:

All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment are required to execute a release and authorization for a background screening.

AB 810

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: University of the Pacific complies with California Assembly Bill 810, requiring candidates accepting conditional job offers to disclose any final administrative or judicial findings, ongoing proceedings, allegations, resignations under investigation, or appeals related to sexual harassment or misconduct within the past seven years.