School-Based Dental Hygienist (Part-Time) (4145)

PRIMARY DUTIES: 

The part-time School-Based Dental Hygienist provides preventive and educational oral health services to pediatric populations within school settings as part of a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). School settings can include elementary, middle, and high schools. This role focuses on improving care access to overall health outcomes through community-based service delivery. The hygienist works collaboratively with dentists, school staff, families, and care teams to deliver culturally competent, patient-centered care. Traveling between schools and FQHC sites may be required. 

Clinical Care Delivery: 

• Provide preventive dental services in school-based settings, including: 

• Oral health assessments and screenings 
• Dental prophylaxis (cleanings) 
• Fluoride varnish applications 
• Dental sealants 
• Radiographs 

• Identify urgent dental needs and facilitate referrals to the FQHC dental clinic 

• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) 

Care Coordination:

• Collaborate with dentists and care teams to develop treatment plans and follow-up care 

• Coordinate referrals for restorative or specialty care 

• Communicate findings and recommendations to parents/guardians 

• Track and manage recall systems for ongoing preventive care 

Health Education & Outreach: 

• Deliver oral health education to students, parents, and school staff 

• Promote preventive care practices and healthy behaviors 

• Participate in community outreach and public health initiatives 

• Support school-based oral health programs and screenings 

Compliance & Quality: 

• Adhere to FQHC policies, HRSA requirements, and state dental practice regulations 

• Follow infection control and standards 

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and reporting metrics (e.g., UDS measures) 

• Ensure proper maintenance and sterilization of portable equipment with inventory and supplies 

 Program Support: 

• Assist with logistical setup and breakdown of mobile/portable dental units 

• Maintain inventory of dental supplies and equipment 

• Support program data collection, reporting, and outcome tracking 

• Work with school administration to coordinate schedules and consent forms 

OTHER DUTIES: 

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor 

                                                                       School-Based Dental Hygienist (Part-Time) 

REPORTS TO: Chief Dental Officer and Director of School-Based Services 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:  

Required 

• Associate or bachelor's degree in dental hygiene 

• Current state licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) 

• Local anesthesia certification (if applicable per state law) 

• CPR/BLS certification 

Preferred 

• Experience in public health, school-based care, or community dental programs 

• Experience working in an FQHC or underserved populations 

• Bilingual (English/Spanish or other prevalent language in the community) 

SKILLS: 

• Strong communication and patient education skills 

• Ability to work independently in non-traditional settings 

• Cultural competency and sensitivity to diverse populations 

• Organizational and time management skills 

• Proficiency with dental software/HER systems 

• Team collaboration and adaptability 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Visual and auditory accuracy 

• Shift length: part-time during school hours 

• Indoor setting 

• Continuous use of computer and calculator 

• Frequent use of telephone 

• Continuous repetitive grasping and manipulation of both hands 

• Continuous conversational communication 

• Continuous reaching, walking, squatting, kneeling, twisting, and climbing 

• Frequent carrying, lifting, pushing and pulling of up to 25 lbs. 

• Frequent working in confined, noisy, dusty areas 

• Occasionally use of personal car 

• Understand/carry out simple/detailed, oral/written instructions 

• Memorize and retain instructions 

• Read and interpret detailed specifications 

• Ability to transport and set up portable equipment 

• Prolonged periods of standing, sitting, and bending 

• Manual dexterity for clinical procedures 

• Exposure to typical clinical environments and infection control protocols