Dental Hygienist

The Dental Hygienist or Dental Hygiene Faculty (DHF), reporting to the Director of Dental Hygiene, will perform services on patients seen at Touro Dental Health (Albuquerque, New Mexico) which encompasses traditional and expanded dental hygiene. At the discretion of the Director of Dental Hygiene, the DHF will also assist with student evaluations, counseling, and assessment. This role also assists in preparation and selection of course materials including the didactic, laboratory and clinical activities for students. The Hygienist will guide and help student dentists to manage, appoint, and recall oral hygiene patients. This position requires OSHA training and is subject to exposure to blood and other bodily fluids, as well as, enforcing HIPAA regulations specifically when accessing Protected Health Information (PHI).

Responsibilities include but not restricted to:

• Performing routine dental prophylaxis and periodontal maintenances.
• Performing non-surgical periodontal therapy (scaling/root planing).
• Placing locally applied antimicrobial medicaments.
• Placing sealants/perform polishing.
• Oral Cancer screening.
• Administering local anesthesia.
• Maintaining accurate electronic patients’ health records.
• Taking annual digital x-rays.
• Accurately charting periodontal conditions.
• Applying fluoride when appropriate.
• Counselling patients on oral hygiene and nutrition.
• Performing Zoom whitening.
• To teach, guide and work together with students on all procedures listed above.
• To evaluate student progress.
• To teach the Initial Periodontal Treatment Lab Course as a part of student preclinical education.
• Adherence to confidentiality, state, federal, and HIPAA laws and guidelines with regards to patient’s records.
• Ability to work equally and collegially with others, consistent with a workplace of dignity and respect and EEO rules and regulations.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygiene or an Allied Health Sciences degree.
• Dental Hygienist New Mexico License.
• At least 3 years of dental hygienist clinical experience.
• Basic Life Support/ CPR Certification or recent related course completion.
• Teaching experience a plus.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Experience with dental practice management computers systems such as AxiUm.
• Knowledge of medications used in conjunction with dental hygiene work.
• Knowledge of health record keeping and dental charting.
• Knowledge of OSHA Blood borne Pathogen Standards and adherence to safety standards.
• Basic computer skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to educate patients across the lifespan in all aspects of oral hygiene including consequences and treatment options for periodontal disease.
• Ability to work well in a professional environment.
• Adaptable with learning new technology and techniques.Must be available for work during the hours assigned, for student instruction and practice development.
• Fluent in English, Spanish speaking a plus.