Dental Hygienist, School-Based Health Center

We are recruiting for a mission-driven Dental Hygienist, School-Based Health Center to join our team!

We're with you for life’s journey. At Denver Health, purpose isn’t just something we believe in—it’s something we live every day, for life’s journey.

Our Values

Respect | Belonging | Accountability | Transparency

Department: SBHC-DPS Dental Program

Job Summary

Under indirect or no supervision (direct access care), performs dental hygiene services for the care and treatment of patients in the School-Based health centers.

This may include an assessment and diagnosis of oral diseases and treatment plan within the scope of practice of a Licensed Dental Hygienist in Colorado to complete preventative prophylaxis cleanings, periodontal maintenance treatment, non-surgical periodontal therapy, oral hygiene instruction, fluoride application and placement of dental sealants.

Prescribes therapeutic agents within their scope according to the state practice act, with collaboration of an attending dentist.

Under indirect supervision, administers injectable local anesthetic when indicated, application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) (with certification) and with certification and a permit from the state, can apply Interim Therapeutic Restorations (ITR).

The dental hygienist will also be responsible for completing medical and dental histories, taking necessary radiographs according to ALARA principles, taking vital signs when indicated and ensuring the patient's periodontal and dental exams are up to date.

Essential Functions

Patient Care: Performs dental hygiene assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning for dental hygiene services. Identifies dental abnormalities for immediate referral to a Denver Health (DH) community health clinic (CHC) dentist.

Provides preventive measures including prophylactic cleaning, the application of fluoride and dental sealants. Take digital images for diagnosis and identifying dental abnormalities and for referral to a DH-CHC dentist. Administers topical and injectable local anesthetic as needed.

Interviews patients/guardians to obtain medical and dental history and hard charts all existing dental restorations and suspected conditions. Completes a comprehensive periodontal assessment whenever indicated by oral conditions or as necessitated to properly diagnose for the dental hygiene treatment plan.

Takes intraoral images for documentation, patient education and for referral to a DH-CHC dentist. Complete Caries Risk Assessment for all patients. (75%)

Administrative Duties: Completes patient care notes within 72 hours of registration. Assists with sterile processing preparation. Completes daily maintenance of portable dental units. (20%)

May be asked to fill-in at the dental sealant program, in the community dental clinics or in the Medical-Dental Integration programs. (5%)

Education

• Associate's Degree Dental Hygiene Required or
• Bachelor's Degree Dental Hygiene

Work Experience

• 4-6 years Direct clinical practice Required or
• 1-3 years In a medical-dental integrated or school-based dental setting Required

Licenses

• Dental Hygienist - DORA - Department of Regulatory Agencies Required and
• BLS-Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) - AHA - American Heart Association or American Red Cross Required and
• LOCAL-Local Anesthesia - DORA - Department of Regulatory Agencies Required
• ITR-Interim Therapeutic Restorations Permit - AAPD - American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of dental hygiene procedures and techniques sufficient to be able to perform the full scope of preventive dental hygiene services, including dental hygiene diagnosis of dental disease, oral health screenings, oral cancer screening, oral-systemic health education, fluoride treatment, dental sealants, prophylactic cleanings, and NSPT, (scaling and root planning).

Critical thinking skills for determining when appropriate referrals are needed to dental specialists, medical care and/or behavioral healthcare.

Knowlege of trauma informed care practices willingness to provide equitable care in a system that provides LGBTQ+ affirming and culturally diverse healthcare.

Knowlege of motivational interviewing practices and ability to have effective coaching conversations with patients and their families around nutrition, oral-systemic health, oral diseases, home hygiene and substance use.

With the appropriate certification as determined by the Dental Practice Act: Prescribes and applies silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for arresting caries, dentinal hypersensitivity and caries prevention.

With the appropriate permit from the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) and as determined by the Dental Practice Act: After prescription of an interim therapeutic restoration (ITR) from a supervising dentist, places ITR on pediatric and adult patients.

• Complies with Dental Practice Act for continuing education requirements.
• May administer nitrous oxide for patient management under direct supervision according to the dental practice act.
• Knowledge of ALARA principles for prescribing and capturing dental radiographs.
• Knowlege of mandatory reporter processes

Shift: Days (United States of America)

• Work Type
• PRN/Intermittent

Salary

$93,600.00 - $127,700.00 / yr (Pay range listed is for 1.0 full-time equivalent (FTE). See Work Type for actual FTE)

Benefits

At Denver Health, we take care of the people who take care of our community. Our benefits are built to support your life, your family, and your future — with exceptional retirement contributions, and nationally recognized well-being programs.

We invest in your growth through tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, and professional development — while also offering meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions.

When you join Denver Health, you’re joining a mission-driven organization that invests in you.

• Here is a small list of our benefit programs:
• Social security replacement retirement plan with employer contribution of 3%
• On-site employee fitness center and wellness classes
• Community resource navigation support
• Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more
• Education & development opportunities including career pathways and coaching

About Denver Health

Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic healthcare system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver’s 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, the Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Denver Health Medical Plan and Denver Health Foundation.

As Colorado’s primary, and essential, safety-net healthcare system, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided millions in uncompensated care for the uninsured each year.

Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer.

Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We value the unique ideas, talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community. All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.