Dental Hygienist (2150)

The incumbent provides preventive, educational, and therapeutic dental hygiene services to patients within a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in the SIU Department of Family Medicine. This position supports the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered oral healthcare to a diverse children and adult population, including underserved and vulnerable individuals. Working collaboratively with dentists and other healthcare professionals, the Dental Hygienist assesses oral health needs, develops individualized care plans, provides preventive treatment, and promotes oral health education. The position supports the FQHC mission to improve access to care, reduce oral health disparities, and integrate oral health into comprehensive healthcare services. This position is ON SITE only Patient Care 100% 1. Assess patients' oral health status, review medical and dental histories, and identify conditions or risk factors that may affect dental treatment. 2. Obtain and document patient dental histories, chief complaints, clinical findings, periodontal assessments, and other pertinent observations in the electronic health record. 3. Provide direct patient care, including dental prophylaxis, scaling and root planning, polishing, dental radiographs, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and other preventive and therapeutic procedures within the authorized scope of practice. 4. Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized dental hygiene care plans based on patient assessments, oral health needs, and established clinical guidelines. 5. Communicate assessment findings, treatment recommendations, and patient concerns effectively with the supervising dentist and other members of the healthcare team to ensure coordinated patient care. 6. Provide patient education on oral hygiene practices, periodontal disease prevention, nutrition, tobacco cessation, and the relationship between oral health and overall health. 7. Assist dentists with examinations, specialized procedures, and complex treatments as appropriate and within the scope of practice. 8. Prepare, maintain, and disinfect patient treatment areas, instruments, and equipment in accordance with infection prevention, sterilization, and safety protocols. 9. Maintain accurate, timely, and complete clinical documentation, including treatment provided, patient education, follow-up recommendations, and procedure codes for services rendered. 10. Support patient access to dental services by assisting with care coordination, referrals, follow-up appointments, and communication with patients and other healthcare providers. 11. Collaborate with other clinical teams to support integrated, patient-centered care and address oral health conditions that may affect overall health. 12. Identify patients with unmet oral health needs and support preventive care initiatives, patient outreach, and community health education activities. 13. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and provide compassionate care to patients of diverse backgrounds, ages, abilities, and socioeconomic circumstances. 14. Follow established clinical protocols, organizational policies, infection control standards, and applicable federal and state regulations, including HIPAA and OSHA requirements. 15. Participate in dental clinic initiatives, clinical performance monitoring, and activities designed to improve patient outcomes and access to care. 16. Maintain professional licensure, required certifications, and continuing education. 17. Assist with patient scheduling, clinical reports, supply management, and other administrative functions necessary to support efficient dental clinic operations. 18. Perform other related duties as assigned. Credentials to be Verified by Placement Officer Current/valid licensure as a Dental Hygienist in the State of Illinois. Current/ valid CPR Certification. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) 1.Sensitive to the needs of underrepresented minority populations 2.Understand dental office procedures and workflow. 3.Experienced with dental care environments. 4.Able to sit, stand, move throughout working hours. 5.Able to work independently. 6.Able to communicate effectively and efficiently to peers and patients. 7.Practice organizational skills to perform tasks in a timely manner. 8.Must be flexible and cooperative in fulfilling role obligations. Condition of Employment Pursuant to the State Universities Civil Service System, an out-of-state resident who is hired into this position must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of their start date .