Dental Hygienist

**This position is eligible for a $2,000 sign-on bonus. See details in the Compensation & Benefits section of this posting.**

Job Summary

The Dental Hygienist, under the general supervision of the staff dentists, provides patient care in accordance with the Iowa Dental Practice Act and the rules and regulations of the Iowa Dental Board. Performs work with special consideration for patient safety and infection controls policies and procedures. Works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to welcome patients to a safe and inclusive environment and to engage patients in holistic care. 

Essential Functions

1. Assesses patients presenting to the dental clinic for preventive services and completes diagnostic procedures as directed by the supervising dentist.
2. Develops dental hygiene treatment plans and sequences treatment to enable patients with diverse backgrounds to receive comprehensive dental hygiene services.
3. Develops modalities of dental hygiene therapy to enable medically, mentally and otherwise compromised patients to receive dental hygiene services.
4. Provides comprehensive dental hygiene services to patients with diverse backgrounds.
5. Completes dental x-rays pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 20 Section 650.
6. Adheres to organizational policies and procedures to minimize risk of radiation exposure to employees and patients. 
7. Provides education to the patient and family regarding assessment data, treatment plan, pre- and post-therapy instructions, and prevention of future disease, and as appropriate for the patient’s age, educational level, physical and mental condition and cultural background.
8. Develops and maintains patient education material for use at chair side and for office display.
9. Assists with cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of instruments, as patient schedule permits; sharpens dental hygiene instruments as needed.
10. Cleans and disinfects dental hygiene operatory and equipment.
11. Maintains and completes records of dental hygiene patients, consistent with clinic policy.
12. Assists the Program Director with development and implementation of the dental community outreach program.
13. Assists dentists at chair side, as needed and as patient schedule permits.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:  Completion of an accredited dental hygiene program

Experience: No experience required

License/Certifications: 

1. Current dental hygiene license recognized by the Iowa Dental Board
2. Current Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers Certification*
3. Current Mandatory Reporter Certification approved for the State of Iowa*

*Must be obtained within Introductory Period if not current

Knowledge, Skills or Abilities:

1. Excellent customer service skills.
2. Effective English communication skills, written and verbal. 
3. Knowledgeable of dental hygiene regulations and practices established by the Iowa Dental Board
4. Demonstrates competency of required dental hygiene skills.
5. Contributes to a team approach to care. 
6. Effective leadership skills.
7. Accurate and efficient typing skills. 
8. Efficiently performs basic computer functions. 
9. Demonstrates competency using electronic health record.   
10. Demonstrates attention to detail in work. 
11. Prioritizes assigned work. 
12. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals.
13. Interacts with others in an empathetic manner while maintaining professional boundaries. 
14. Remains calm and works through difficult interactions. 
15. Effectively resolves problems. 
16. Utilizes universal precautions in patient care.  

Other Job Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience:  Work experience in the essential functions of the position or in a community health center or similar setting

Knowledge, Skills or Abilities: Ability to communicate effectively, verbal and written, in Spanish

Typical Work Hours

This position typically works 32 hours per week. Typical schedule is to be determined by candidate and hiring manager. This position may also fill in at the Marshalltown Dental Clinic as needed. Schedule is not guaranteed and may change based on clinic needs.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is dependent on education and experience.

PHC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• $2,000 sign-on bonus ($1000 at hire, $500 at 6 months, $500 at 1 year). Internal candidates are not eligible for sign-on bonus.
• Qualified individuals are eligible for up to a $500 quarterly retention bonus as part of special funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Bonuses are time limited through the Spring of 2023.
• Generous PTO accrual (equal to 4 weeks at end of 1st year) plus paid holidays
• License/certification fee reimbursement
• Paid time off for continuing education & continuing education reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement program
• 401k with company match
• Medical insurance - PHC Pays, on average, 80% of medical premiums for all plan types (employee, employee + family, etc.)
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life & disability insurance
• Flexible spending & health savings accounts
• Supplemental accident & critical illness insurance
• Discounts on pet insurance