The REACCH (Resources, Education and Comprehensive Care for HIV) Program provides comprehensive medical care and social services to people living with HIV throughout south central Pennsylvania.

The REACCH program provides an array of services including : HIV primary and specialty care, case management and social work services, dental care, on-site therapy / counseling, rapid HIV testing, community outreach and education, and HIV prevention services.

The REACCH dental Hygienist works closely with the rest of the REACCH team to ensure the patients needs as a whole person are met.

REACCH uses a person-centered, trauma informed approach to dentistry. Hygiene appointments are scheduled for one hour for all patients to ensure receive the highest quality care and education.

The REACCH program is partially grant funded to ensure that all patients, no matter their ability to pay, receive the best possible care.

Purpose :

Provides acute and chronic care dental hygiene services for HIV-infected ambulatory adult and adolescent patients encompassed by the Dental Practice Act of Pennsylvania.

Provides public health outreach and patient education to all patients to ensure optimal oral health. Collaborates with providers and support services in the outpatient setting to ensure comprehensive care of REACCH patients.

Responsibilities :

Primary Duties : Assessment and care : Provide oral health education to patients. Provide comprehensive oral health hygiene services to patients including patient screening procedures such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of the health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection, dental charting and taking blood pressure and pulse.

Take and developing dental radiographs (x-rays). Remove calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth.

Apply preventive materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants and fluorides). Teach patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health (e.

g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling). Counsel patients about good nutrition and its impact on oral health.

Make impressions of patients' teeth for study casts (models of teeth used by dentists to evaluate patient treatment needs).

Perform duties of dental hygienist in the context of Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act. Assess and appropriately respond to patients' reservations and anxieties about dental work.

Assure that all state regulations for licensure of the staff, facility and equipment are maintained and up to date. Observe strict adherence to OSHA precautions and work control protocols.

Work in collaboration with other health care providers and agencies to provide and, where appropriate, to coordinate services to individuals and families.

Reviews and augments health and medical history in the EHR.

Planning : Identifies appropriate non-pharmacological interventions. Develop a patient education plan in collaboration with the dentist.

Document pertinent, concise, factual information in the patient's record. Ensure that all patient dental records are complete for required documentation.

Implementation : Provides education to patient and family relevant to oral health issues. Makes appropriate referrals to other health professionals and community agencies as needed.

Evaluation : In collaboration with the Program Manager and Dentist, develop a strategic plan for dental services that works in coordination with the medical and social service components of the REACCH Program.

Participate in a monthly clinical quality improvement meeting. Make recommendations for clinical and process quality improvements.

Secondary Duties : Participate in REACCH staff meetings and quality meetings as requested. Participate on dental Clinical Quality Improvement committee.

Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing professional networks, and participating in professional societies.

Provide in-services to ambulatory staff as needed. Perform all other duties as required to support the REACCH Program's mission to serve patients.

Other duties as assigned. Human Relations / Contact and Communications : Must be able to communicate effectively. Relates professionally and courteously to patients, families, physicians, and other health care team members.

Must demonstrate by his / her own behavior a strong sense of commitment to patient care. Treats each person as an individual with respect, dignity, and with consideration for cultural diversity.

Protects each person's legal and moral right to confidentiality.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Must have current Pennsylvania dental hygiene license.

Minimum of two years' experience in general dental practice.

A working knowledge of the community and the ability to link clients to services in the community as necessary.

Demonstrated competence for working with diverse populations.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Two to three years of dental experience in a community health setting.

Bilingual English Spanish.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances :

Clearances must be dated within 90 days.

Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Last updated : 2024-03-23