Job description
REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST – SCHOOL-BASED SERVICES, COMMUNITY OUTREACH, LIMITED IN-CLINIC SUPPORT
If you enjoy working with children, have a positive attitude, and would like to use your skills to work in and for the community, LDCC may be the place for you! This position is open to candidates interested in full or part-time employment or on an on-call basis.
Job Summary:
Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children (LDCC), a private, non-profit dental clinic, has an immediate opening for an experienced dental hygienist in our innovative School Based Services (SBS) program. The SBS dental hygienist is crucial in promoting dental health and preventing dental decay among school-age children. The hygienist conducts oral health screenings, identifies students with potential dental issues, applies fluoride varnish and dental sealants, and educates children on proper oral hygiene practices. This role primarily involves working in a school setting to provide preventative dental care and services to students. This role also entails working at community outreach events and some chair-side dental hygiene support at the physical clinic when schools are not in session.
The dental hygienist reports to the School-based Services Manager and works in partnership with experienced dental assistants responsible for organizing materials and equipment and driving the company van to the schools and other outreach locations. Once at the offsite location, they will assist the RDH with setup, record keeping, and organizing materials. The dental hygienist will be under the clinical supervision of the LDCC Dental Director.
Key Responsibilities:
Conduct oral health screenings for school-age children, assessing for signs of dental decay, gum disease, and other oral health concerns.
Apply fluoride varnish to strengthen tooth enamel.
Apply dental sealants to protect children’s teeth from decay, focusing on molars
Document findings from screenings and sealant applications, ensuring proper record-keeping and communication with parents and caregivers regarding the child's oral health.
Collaborate with school staff and LDCC dental professionals to develop follow-up plans for students in need of further dental care.
Educate students on proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing techniques, diet choices, and the importance of regular dental visits.
Adhere to state regulations and guidelines regarding dental hygiene practice, including infection control and patient safety standards.
Assist in coordinating school-based dental health programs, events, and activities.
Help maintain all dental equipment and supplies used for screenings and sealant placement, ensuring cleanliness and readiness for use.
When schools are not in session, provide dental hygiene chairside services at the physical LDCC clinic in Parkland (South Tacoma).
Qualifications:
Must hold a Washington State dental hygienist license
Strong communication skills and the ability to educate and engage children in dental health practices
Ability to work with diverse patient and staff populations
Provide permission for a comprehensive background check
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination (required for schools)
Valid Washington State driver’s license
Preferred, Not Required:
Experience providing dental care to children and in school or community-based settings
Knowledge of dental public health and preventive care best practices
Computer literate (Dentrix, Outlook)
Spanish speaking
Physical Requirements:
Ability to travel between schools and various community sites within Pierce County
Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive hand and wrist motions during screenings and fluoride varnish and sealant applications
Ability to drive the LDCC van (on occasion) and help transport equipment from the clinic to the schools and community sites
Compensation & Benefits:
LDCC is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in employment and ensures equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or status as a qualified individual with a disability Vietnam era, or other protected veteran. We are also an E-Verify program participant.
Job Type: Full or Part-time (30+ hours per week is considered full-time) or on an on-call basis.
Salary: $50-$65 per hour, depending on experience
Generous Benefits:
401(k)
Dental Insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Schedule:
Monday through Friday (occasional evenings and weekends)
Work Location:
Mostly working in Pierce County schools and at local events. When not working in schools/communities, the position will be on-site in the Parkland clinic (South Tacoma).
If you are interested and meet the minimum requirements, please call or email.