Dental Hygienist II

Job Description:
Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.
The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state.
The state of Texas offers many benefits to employees. HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making qualifying monthly payments. We also offer excellent health benefits, a lifetime monthly retirement annuityas well as (k) and Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.
If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you
Performs highly complex (senior level) dental hygienist work on individuals residing at the State Supported Living Center (SSLC) who may have multiple physical, developmental, and behavioral disabilities which act as barriers to routine dental care. Performs professional cleaning, scaling and polishing of teeth. Exposes, develops, and mounts both physical and digital dental X-rays. Evaluates and examines gums to help locate signs of periodontal disease. Applies preventative care treatments. Identifies and refers all abnormal conditions to licensed dentist. Accurately documents record of services rendered. Develops and teaches a dental health program, using medical history and other information to tailor an individualized dental hygiene program to each individual’s needs. Prepares reports and answers questions as assigned and as appropriate to scope of practice. Collaborates with other members of the dental department for business purposes. Maintains inflection control standards. Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment. Performs other duties as assigned. Works under limited supervision of a licensed dentist, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.
Provides professional cleaning, scaling and polishing of teeth according to Texas State Board of Dental Examiners standards. Works with persons who may have multiple physical, developmental, and behavioral disabilities which act as barriers to routine dental care. Adapts treatment methods to fit residents positional needs as well as adapting techniques to accommodate the physical and intellectual disabilities of resident.
Evaluates and examines gums to help locate signs of periodontal disease. Applies preventive dental care treatment drugs to surface tissues, exposed surfaces of teeth, and pit and fissure sealants to teeth.
Identifies and refers all abnormal conditions to licensed dentist.
Develops and teaches a dental health program designed to prevent dental disease and improve the quality of life for persons served. During appointments, educates direct care staff with individuals regarding oral care, proper daily oral hygiene, and assisting with desensitization for the residents. Provide feedback to direct care staff to build on areas of strength and address areas of concern with each resident.
Evaluates clinical findings, medical history and previous medical/dental records and integrates the information into a plan for excellent individualized dental hygiene program for residents such as recommending different oral home care methods. Incorporates residents strength and preferences into appointments and plans.
Documents record of services rendered accurately, timely and without omission. Maintains records of services rendered with the IRIS electronic health record, using Dentrix and PowerChart to document treatment. Maintains any required word documents excel spreadsheets and/or other databases to support quality enhancement program initiatives and fulfill regulatory requirements.
Prepares reports of various dental treatments and procedures for individual service plan meeting, settlement agreement, and other legislative needs when assigned. Attend individual service plan meetings and other departmental meetings when assigned to provide dental data, experience, and ideas to help improve residents dental outcomes. Responds to IDT questions or concerns about residents oral health.
Exposes, develops, and mounts both physical and digital dental X-rays.
Provides infection control by using sterilized instruments and applying standard precautions for all dental hygiene procedures. Communicates to ensure dental team is in alignment with standard precautions.
Collaborates with other members of the dental department for business purposes including organization of the instruments, appointment scheduling, treatments needed and performed, documentation of work performed, and identification of trends and patterns. Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.
Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
•Knowledge of dental disease prevention techniques, of dental prophylaxis techniques and procedures, and of public health dental programs.
•Advanced Skill in the use of dental tools and equipment.
•Ability to clean and care for human teeth, to instruct patients and Direct Support Staff in the proper care of teeth and gums,
•Ability to expose, develop, and mount X rays.
•Knowledge of OSHA Blood Borne Pathogen Precautions, rules, and regulations related to body fluids and Biomedical Waste handling.
•Ability to appropriately apply restraints as outlined in the individual's served Annual Rights Assessment completed by the Interdisciplinary Team and/or appropriately signed consents to prevent unintentional injury to the individual or staff during dental procedures.
•Knowledge and skill in the use of available adaptive aides which are used to provide dental care to persons with mental, physical, or behavioral challenges
•Knowledge of medical terminology and medical conditions which impact dental health, especially those commonly seen in ICF-IDD facilities.
•Knowledge and ability to identify abnormal dental conditions and make appropriate referrals to a licensed dentist for treatments beyond the scope of practice of a dental hygienist.

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