The Dental Hygienist plays an integral role in supporting patients in achieving and maintaining optimal oral health. As part of the Valley View Health Centers dental team, the Dental Hygienist provides preventive dental services, patient education, and clinical support in accordance with professional standards, state regulations, and VVHC clinical protocols. This role emphasizes patient-centered care, operational excellence, and collaboration within an integrated healthcare environment.

Patient Care and Clinical Operations

Estimated Effort: 70%

Assess dental needs of patients using approved screening procedures, including review of medical history, dental charting, periodontal charting, and collection of vital signs.
Provide preventive oral health services, including dental prophylaxis, scaling, periodontal treatments, sealant application, and fluoride application, in compliance with state law and VVHC clinical protocols.
Accurately document dental services by charting findings, diagnoses, treatment plans, and completed care to ensure the dental record fully reflects the visit and patient condition.
Educate patients by providing oral hygiene instruction and post-operative care guidance.
Maintain minimum productivity standards as outlined in the negotiated employment agreement.
Prepare, disinfect, and sterilize dental supplies, materials, instruments, and handpieces in accordance with CDC guidelines and clinic policy.
Maintain optimal operation of dental equipment, including handpieces, radiographic equipment, sterilizers, ultrasonic cleaners, water distillers, amalgam separators, and central evacuation systems.
Maintain appropriate stock of dental supplies, including stocking operatories, reviewing and putting away supply orders, and submitting supply requests.
Ensure all duties are completed in accordance with health center policies, quality improvement initiatives, safety standards, environmental requirements, and infection control protocols.
Complete all post-visit responsibilities to support continuity of care and patient satisfaction.

Administrative, Outreach, and Education

Estimated Effort: 20%

Participate in daily morning huddles to support communication and care coordination.
Complete internal and external patient referrals and assist with coordination of care as needed.
Assist with telephone triage, demonstrating knowledge in differentiating between dental emergencies and routine treatment needs.
Review hygiene schedules daily and collaborate with Patient Access staff to ensure appointment slots are filled efficiently.
Maintain the physical condition of the dental clinic, instruments, and equipment.
Prepare treatment plans and treatment cost estimates and present information to patients for review as needed.
Prepare and submit dental insurance prior authorizations in accordance with dentist diagnoses.
Organize, present, and assist with oral health education presentations and provide technical assistance during on-site and off-site community outreach events.
Assist the Director of Dental Operations with administrative duties as needed, including supply ordering, SDS manual maintenance, infection control monitoring, and troubleshooting EHR or digital imaging issues.
Maintain strict patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and agency policies.
Serve as a leader in training and acclimating new dental staff members.

Service and Other Responsibilities

Estimated Effort: 10%

Serve on VVHC and CAC committees, work groups, and service teams as assigned.
Demonstrate commitment to the mission of CAC and VVHC by promoting oral health and access to care.
Perform other duties as assigned to support clinic operations and organizational goals.

Minimum Requirements

Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent
Successful completion of a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)–accredited dental hygiene program

Job-Related Experience:

Preference given to individuals with experience in a community health center and/or Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) dental program
Experience working with preschool-aged and young children in a dental setting preferred
Experience with digital radiography and electronic health records preferred

Licenses, Certifications, and Accreditations:

Current, active Dental Hygienist license through the Ohio State Dental Board
Completion of a board-approved course in the administration of local anesthesia and successful completion of the CDCA or WREB Local Anesthesia Examination
Completion of a course in the administration or monitoring of nitrous oxide–oxygen (N2O–O2) minimal sedation through a permanent sponsor or equivalent CODA-accredited training
Completion of a board-approved course in identification and prevention of potential medical emergencies
Current Healthcare Provider CPR and AED certification through the American Heart Association

Direct Patient Care Requirements

Verification of licensure, registration, and certifications
Verification of education and training
Completion of Office of Inspector General (OIG) exclusion check
Health/Fit-for-Duty verification, including physical and mental capacity to safely perform job duties
Three (3) professional letters of recommendation
Current BLS/CPR certification
Proof of Hepatitis B immunity, including documentation of HBV series or confirmed immunity

Preferred Qualifications

One (1) year and 1,500 hours of documented dental hygiene experience
Successful completion of a four-hour board-approved course in identification and prevention of potential medical emergencies
Completion of an approved course for practice under the Oral Health Access Supervision Program (OHASP) and possession of or eligibility for an OHASP permit

Working Conditions

This position operates in a well-lighted clinical environment and may require occasional travel between VVHC dental clinic locations (up to 25%). The role requires strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to read and speak English. Physical demands include regular sitting, use of hands and arms, reaching, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Close vision is required. The employee must regularly lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Work is fast-paced and patient-facing.