Per Diem Dental Hygienist

Scott County; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public health department is seeking a Dental Direct Services Consultant to provide essential dental services across community settings in Scott County. This role includes conducting dental screenings, educating clients, and coordinating care, with a focus on improving oral health outcomes for eligible populations. Candidates should possess an Associate's degree in Dental Hygiene and have clinical experience, with a commitment to community health.

Qualifications

• Must possess a Dental Hygiene license in the State of Iowa or obtain within 2 months of hire.
• One year of clinical experience is required.
• Experience with the pediatric population is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Delivers direct dental services in various community settings.
• Provides care coordination and oral health education.
• Maintains documentation and participates in community partnerships.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Data analysis

Communication

Dental hygiene practices

Education

Associates degree in Dental Hygiene

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Job description

Under general supervision, the Dental Direct Services Consultant provides direct dental services to eligible clients in a variety of community, school, child care, and clinic settings throughout the service area. Connects clients and community members to oral health care providers. This position is grant funded

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Delivers direct services in the Scott County Health Department clinic and external locations throughout the service area; schedules and provides dental screenings, oral health education, caries risk assessments, fluoride varnish, sealants, and mobile x-rays; collects and analyzes data obtained from performed services.
• Provides care coordination services to clients; responds to inquiries requiring dental care services, information, and oral health requests.
• Maintains documents and files; updates database information to document program activities and direct services.
• Participates in community partnerships with dentists and dental staff, medical providers and medical staff, and other groups, organizations, and coalitions in the community to build oral health infrastructure for eligible populations.
• Facilitates oral health education and instruction to healthcare providers including school nurses, medical providers, school aged children, and medical students; participates in community events that target the eligible population.
• Identifies, organizes, and directs the direct care services delivered throughout the community; includes assuring staffing, supplies, and relevant forms are adequate for efficient service delivery.
• Tailors services to address client choice, preference, and special needs such as language barriers, low literacy levels, and hearing or sight impairment.
• Engages qualified interpreters to communicate with clients in their primary language.
• Participates in department efforts related to accreditation/reaccreditation, performance management, quality improvement, and workforce development.
• Demonstrates the ability to exemplify, by his/her actions, the County PRIDE philosophy.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines Associates degree in Dental Hygiene; AND one (1) year of clinical experience in private practice, schools, hospitals, or community/public health settings required. Experience with pediatric population preferred. Bachelor's degree preferred

Knowledge of:

• Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Records maintenance and retention policies, procedures, and practices.
• Community health resources and services.
• Dental hygiene practices.
• Dental equipment operation and maintenance.
• Abuse identification and mandatory reporting to appropriate entities.
• Medicaid program, including components of Iowa's Periodicity schedule.

Skill in:

• Interacting tactfully and professionally with County staff, outside agencies, and the public.
• Evaluating dental health concerns.
• Maintaining confidential information.
• Reading, interpreting, and following protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Gathering and analyzing data.
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Operating a computer and including standard software and some specialized software.
• Typing and entering data with speed and accuracy.
• Working efficiently independently and in a team.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
• Communicating effectively with others verbally and in writing, including sharing complex information using plain, non-technical language with clients.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Must possess a Dental Hygiene license in the State of Iowa or obtain license within two (2) months of hire. Must maintain a CPR and AED Certification.Must obtain a public health supervision agreement upon hire. Must possess a valid Driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office environment and throughout Scott County at various locations. May be exposed to potential physical harm and infectious diseases when working with clients. May be required to lift and move up to 25 pounds