Dental Hygienist - Columbus, NC Center for Dentistry and Oral Health

JOB SUMMARY:

Provide care for patients within appropriate scope of legal practice in North Carolina, including prophylaxis, scaling, administration of medicaments and topical agent as trained and legal to do. Take impressions as appropriate.  Educate patients in hygiene and oral health and wellness. Take radiographs. Work with MAHEC leadership to help educate, and support the education, of upcoming oral health professionals. Support clinical and education endeavors not only within the physical clinics but also in the community and within other healthcare settings. Work is under the supervision of NC-licensed dentists.  

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Periodontal screening;

• Periodontal probing;

• Subgingival exploration for or removal of hard or soft deposits; 

• Sulcular irrigation;

• Application of sulcular antimicrobial or antibiotic agents which are resorbable;

• Application of sealants to teeth that do not require mechanical alteration prior to the application of such sealants, provided that a dentist has examined the patient and prescribed the procedure;

• Application of acid etch materials/rinses;

• Removal of periodontal dressings;

• Removal of sutures;

• Applies dentin desensitizing solutions;

• Provides patient education on oral, dental, and preventive maintenance;

• Complies with MAHEC’s Corporate Compliance, HIPAA, Confidentiality, Access to Dental and Billing Records, and Risk Management Programs.

• Maintains records on dental status of patients and services rendered;

• Cleans and sterilizes instruments; 

• Schedules follow-up and maintenance appointments;

• Participates in educational events for learners, MAHEC, and the community

• Serves as back-up for CCA team as needed.

• Participates in patient care and education that occurs via the division but takes place externally, such as care in schools, nursing facilities, hospital work, and community healthcare events

• For Public Health Hygienists:  provision of appropriate parts of a care plan as planned by a licensed dentist, without a licensed dentist being physically present

• For Public Health Hygienists:  supervision of team providing care as prescribed by a licensed dentist, when in a setting where a licensed dentist is not physically present

• Responsibilities may also include backing up or functioning as a dental assistant (under unusual circumstances).

• Examples of DA functions:  

• Taking of impressions for study models and opposing casts which will not be used for construction of dental appliances, but which may be used for the fabrication of adjustable orthodontic appliances; 

• Place and/or remove rubber dams 

• Cement temporary restorations using temporary cement 

• Removal of excess cement 

• Placement or removal of temporary restorations 

• Performs extra-oral adjustments which affect function, fit, or occlusion of any temporary restoration or appliance 

KEY COMPETENCIES: 

• Communication Skills  

Effectively and respectably communicate with other individuals, whether it be a colleague, patient, or patient’s family member and appropriately enumerate information in a manner easily understood by all parties. We do this to foster a culture of understanding between all parties, especially in complex and difficult situations, to ultimately provide the best care possible to our patients and their families. 

• Decision Making 

Ability to make the most appropriate decision in a given situation and then taking the next steps to ensure appropriate and timely completion. This requires conflict resolution skills, critical thinking skills, confidence in your ability to make the right decision in most situations. This also includes ability to prioritize your workday appropriately to ensure the most important tasks are completed on time. 

• HealthCare Knowledge 

Having the drive to keep yourself abreast and up to date on the new breakthroughs in your area of expertise and communicating them to the rest of the team, as appropriate.  This also includes keeping up with your licensure and yearly training requirements within your area expertise along with MAHEC’s organizational training. Finally, the ability to apply the depth of knowledge maintained and gained through this process in real life scenarios as appropriate. 

• Interpersonal Skills  

Showing the ability to meet difficult situations with grace, professionalism, and understanding. Within your area of expertise, showing respect and showing empathy where appropriate with your colleagues, patients, and their family at all times, even when its most difficult to do so. This is done, in part, by effective listening, being your authentic self, showing responsibility and dependability, and being patient with others. 

• Organizational Values 

Adherence to MAHEC’s founding principles and incorporating them every day. This includes, among others, having integrity and accountability, reverence for other cultures and equitable practices, ability to manage change, and displaying a clear understanding of organizational dynamics. Doing these things creates a culture where people want to do the best for each other and gives personal ownership towards the goal of helping people in their time of need. 

• Problem Solving  

Having an analytical mind and ability to work autonomously to solve complex problems that may arise. The wherewithal to think logically through a difficult problem and come to an appropriate resolution for a given issue. This helps to drive continuous improvement by thinking through where we can improve in a novel way. Measures success by understanding where we are currently and where we want to go and then applying those new ideas to affect positive change. 

SPECIFIED SKILLS:

COMPUTER:

• Ability to operate computer, email, and Microsoft Office components. 

• Navigate web-based platforms.  

• Experience with Dentrix and MiPacs preferred. 

• FOREIGN LANGUAGE 

• Spanish speaking skills preferred.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Physical Demands: Light - Moderate energy level: Lift and carry 25 - 35 lbs, Push/Pull 50 - 100 lbs (empty bed, stretcher, etc.). 

• Close vision, color vision, and depth perception required. 

• Physical Activity: Frequent (34 - 66% of Workday) 

• As related to patient care, frequently reaches with arms, uses hands and fingers, talks, listens, and is in a standing and/or seated position.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least two (2) years of previous experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Public Health Hygienist Certification  

• Trained and qualified to administer injectable anesthetic 

REQUIRED LICENSES: 

• NC Dental Hygienist Licensure required. 

• Current CPR certification required at all times. 

• Public Health certification required at time of hire or within six months. 

• Local Anesthesia certification required at time of hire or within six months. 

• Must maintain Continuing Education as required by licensure. 

• Valid driver’s license required. 

SCHEDULE:

• Regular attendance on-site is an essential function of this position. Typical business hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (or flexed to best meet the needs of the clients and/or the Division);
• 80% FTE role, 30 hours per workweek; Work hours will need to be flexible in order to respond to special work assignments, or evening activities, as requested by the team leader.

COMPENSATION:

• $40.00/hour (nonexempt) + MAHEC Total Rewards Package

At MAHEC, we strive to equip all team members with Total Rewards (pay + benefits) to honor their service, support their health, manage their financial security, build their career, and thrive.

MAHEC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. Employees who meet federal requirements may be eligible to have remaining student loan balances forgiven after 10 years of qualifying payments while working full-time at MAHEC.

If you are interested in this role, and you have related experience and qualifications, we encourage you to apply or reach out to AskTalent@mahec.net for support in your job search process. You could be the talent we are seeking for this or other opportunities

All MAHEC employees and learners will be required to receive the Flu vaccine or have an approved exemption.

MAHEC does not provide employment-based US visa sponsorship, now or in the future. All new employees must provide valid, original I-9 documents on their first day of work.

MAHEC Talent Management is located at 121 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 28803. Equal Opportunity Employer.