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Department

Job Summary

Under indirect or no supervision (direct access care), performs dental hygiene services for the care and treatment of patients in the School-Based health centers. This may include an assessment and diagnosis of oral diseases and treatment plan within the scope of practice of a Licensed Dental Hygienist in Colorado to complete preventative prophylaxis cleanings, periodontal maintenance treatment, non-surgical periodontal therapy, oral hygiene instruction, fluoride application and placement of dental sealants. Prescribes therapeutic agents within their scope according to the state practice act, with collaboration of an attending dentist. Under indirect supervision, administers injectable local anesthetic when indicated, application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) (with certification) and with certification and a permit from the state, can apply Interim Therapeutic Restorations (ITR). The dental hygienist will also be responsible for completing medical and dental histories, taking necessary radiographs according to ALARA principles, taking vital signs when indicated and ensuring the patient's periodontal and dental exams are up to date.


Essential Functions:

• Patient Care: Performs dental hygiene assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning for dental hygiene services. Identifies dental abnormalities for immediate referral to a Denver Health (DH) community health clinic (CHC) dentist. Provides preventive measures including prophylactic cleaning, the application of fluoride and dental sealants. Take digital images for diagnosis and identifying dental abnormalities and for referral to a DH-CHC dentist. Administers topical and injectable local anesthetic as needed. Interviews patients/guardians to obtain medical and dental history and hard charts all existing dental restorations and suspected conditions. Completes a comprehensive periodontal assessment whenever indicated by oral conditions or as necessitated to properly diagnose for the dental hygiene treatment plan. Takes intraoral images for documentation, patient education and for referral to a DH-CHC dentist. Complete Caries Risk Assessment for all patients.
  (75%)
• Administrative Duties: Completes patient care notes within 72 hours of registration. Assists with sterile processing preparation. Completes daily maintenance of portable dental units. (20%)
• May be asked to fill-in at the dental sealant program, in the community dental clinics or in the Medical-Dental Integration programs. (5%)

Education:

• Associate's Degree Dental Hygiene Required

Work Experience:

• 4-6 years Direct clinical practice Required or
• 1-3 years In a medical-dental integrated or school-based dental setting Required

Licenses:

• Dental Hygienist - DORA - Department of Regulatory Agencies Required and
• BLS-Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) - AHA - American Heart Association Required and
• LOCAL-Local Anesthesia - State Board of Dentistry Required
• ITR-Interim Therapeutic Restorations Permit - AAPD - American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of dental hygiene procedures and techniques sufficient to be able to perform the full scope of preventive dental hygiene services, including dental hygiene diagnosis of dental disease, oral health screenings, oral cancer screening, oral-systemic health education, fluoride treatment, dental sealants, prophylactic cleanings, and NSPT, (scaling and root planning).
• Critical thinking skills for determining when appropriate referrals are needed to dental specialists, medical care and/or behavioral healthcare.
• Knowlege of trauma informed care practices willingness to provide equitable care in a system that provides LGBTQ+ affirming and culturally diverse healthcare.
• Knowlege of motivational interviewing practices and ability to have effective coaching conversations with patients and their families around nutrition, oral-systemic health, oral diseases, home hygiene and substance use.
• With the appropriate certification as determined by the Dental Practice Act: Prescribes and applies silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for arresting caries, dentinal hypersensitivity and caries prevention.
• With the appropriate permit from the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) and as determined by the Dental Practice Act: After prescription of an interim therapeutic restoration (ITR) from a supervising dentist, places ITR on pediatric and adult patients.
• Complies with Dental Practice Act for continuing education requirements.
• May administer nitrous oxide for patient management under direct supervision according to the dental practice act.
• Knowledge of ALARA principles for prescribing and capturing dental radiographs.
• Knowlege of mandatory reporter processes

Shift

Work Type

Salary

Benefits

• Outstanding benefits including up to 27 paid days off per year, immediate retirement plan employer contribution up to 9.5%, and generous medical plans

• Free RTD EcoPass (public transportation)

• On-site employee fitness center and wellness classes

• Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more

• Tuition reimbursement & assistance

• Education & development opportunities including career pathways and coaching

• Professional clinical advancement program & shared governance

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer+ free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the PSLF program 

• National Health Service Corps (NHCS) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) eligible employer

Our Values

• Respect

• Belonging

• Accountability

• Transparency

All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made.

Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic health care system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver’s 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, a Public Health Institute, an HMO and The Denver Health Foundation.

As Colorado’s primary, and essential, safety-net institution, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided billions in uncompensated care for the uninsured. Denver Health is viewed as an Anchor Institution for the community, focusing on hiring and purchasing locally as applicable, serving as a pillar for community needs, and caring for more than 185,000 individuals and 67,000 children a year.

Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer.

Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We value the unique ideas, talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community.

Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.