Dental Hygienist I

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. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

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 120 qualifying monthly payments. We also offer excellent health benefits, a lifetime monthly retirement annuityas well as 401(k) and 457 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 professional cleaning, scaling and polishing of teeth according to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners standards. In addition to cleaning, scaling, and polishing teeth, the dental hygienist develops and teaches a dental health program designed to prevent dental disease and improve quality of life.

Work requires ability to evaluate clinical findings, medical history and previous medical/dental records and integrate that information into a plan for excellent dental hygiene. Appropriately identifies and refers abnormal dental conditions to licensed dentist director. Exposes, develops and mounts dental X-rays.

Accurately documents record of services rendered. Provides infection control by using sterilized instruments and applying standard precautions for all dental procedures. Works under general supervision and with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Works with persons who may have multiple physical, developmental, and behavioral disabilities which act as barriers to routine dental care. Works on dental desensitization plans. Provide treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.

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.

Evaluates clinical findings, medical history and previous medical/dental records and integrates the information into a plan for excellent dental hygiene.

Provides infection control by using sterilized instruments and applying standard precautions for all dental hygiene procedures.

Documents record of services rendered accurately and without omission.

Applies preventive dental care treatment drugs to surface tissues and exposed surfaces of teeth. Exposes, develops, and mounts both physical and digital dental X-rays.

Develops and teaches a dental health program designed to prevent dental disease and improve the quality of life for persons served.

Identifies and refers all abnormal conditions to licensed dental director.

Provide 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, and 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

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Must be licensed as a dental hygienist by the State of Texas. Initial Selection Criteria:

Experience in dental hygienist work. Graduation from a recognized and accredited school or college of dentistry or dental hygiene approved by the State Board of Dental Examiners is generally preferred. Additional Information:

Salary Note: The salary offered will follow HHS starting salary guidelines which are typically made at or near the minimum of the salary range.

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/ Entities. Males between the ages of 18 - 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center employees are subject to Random drug testing.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

MOS Code:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 68C, 66N/P/W, 290X, 46FX, 46NX, 46SX. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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