Registered Dental Hygienist

Under general supervision, provides preventive oral health services in schools and outreach settings to ensure integration of I-Smile and I-Smile @ School strategies. Assists with oral health/primary care provider engagement to promote age 1 dental visits, Medicaid and Hawki enrollment, negotiate referral systems and reduce barriers to access oral health services.

• Must be capable of regular and predictable attendance at a specified location to perform assigned tasks.
• Complies with HIPAA privacy and security regulations, I-Smile and MCH programs as set forth in the I-Smile Oral Health Coordinator Handbook, MCH Administrative Manual, and Rules governing Medicaid.
• Provides preventive oral health services in schools and outreach settings, including screenings, fluoride varnish, dental sealants, education, and (oral health) nutritional counseling.
• Completes documentation consistent with professional and oversight agency performance standards.
• Links children and families to needed oral health services.
• Conducts professional training to non-dental primary care providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and registered nurses) to complete oral screenings, fluoride varnish applications and education.
• Conducts training and development with Title V staff, paraprofessionals, and consumers.
• Assists with oral/primary care provider engagement to promote age 1 dental visits, Medicaid and Hawki enrollment, negotiate referral systems and reduce barriers to access oral health services.
• Coordinates implementation of the oral health school screening audit process.
• Participates in oral health quality improvement activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Associate's in Applied Science (AAS) degree or bachelor's degree from a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
• Must possess and maintain a valid license as a Dental Hygienist issued by the State of Iowa.
• A minimum of one year of clinical practice experience in dental hygiene required.
• Must be able to obtain a public health supervision agreement upon hire.
• Knowledgeable in oral health practices, techniques, and ethics.
• Ability to maintain compliance with Federal and State regulations, including HIPAA.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of protected health information.
• Must maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Must demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to organize and deliver oral health education to varied audiences, by utilizing verbal, written and visual communication tools/resources.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with the public, professional community, and co-workers.
• Must be proficient in computer software applications.
• Must be available for off-hour and/or weekend activities and overtime if needed.
• Must possess a valid Iowa Driver's License and be insurable under the County's guidelines. The position may require the occasional use of private vehicle for official business.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maintains required continuing education credits necessary to perform essential job functions.
• May require additional certification as necessary.

The work environment and physical demand characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed primarily indoors and requires frequent communication/interaction with others.
• Position requires near vision and finger dexterity.
• Position requires frequent travel to different schools/worksites/provider locations; may encounter inclement weather conditions.