Dental Hygienist
Pay Grade: K
Job Code: HCT013
Who we are. We protect lives. The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to proudly protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in diverse communities statewide. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing the State of Georgia for responding to disasters.
What we offer. As a member of the Georgia Department of Public Health team, you will join a passionate group of individuals who are dedicated to making an impact. No matter your role, you will individually contribute to protecting the lives of all Georgians while receiving a wide range of benefits, so you can:
- Make a Professional Impact – Build your career where it matters and protect lives in the community where you live, work, and play
- Enjoy Workplace Flexibility – Experience flexibility in how you work so you can be your best self for you and Georgia Residents
- Work with a Dynamic and Diverse Team– Collaborative and inclusive way of working where employees share ideas and leverage collective strengths
- Achieve Career Longevity – Countless opportunities for continuous learning/development that support a long-term career
- Take Part in a Hands-on Working Culture – Unique culture of active engagement and problem-solving, no matter your role
- Feel Pride in Where you Work – Be part of making an impact in public health alongside dedicated people just like you
The Northeast Health District is seeking a Dental Hygienist to provide dental screenings and dental hygiene education in schools, health departments, and at community events in the 10-county health district. The position will also develop partnerships with local dental providers and will provide training to health department nursing staff.
As a Dental Hygienist within the Northeast Health District at the Georgia Department of Public Health, you will join a dedicated group of public health professionals that help support the overall mission and vision of protecting lives of Georgian residents in a variety of ways.
Job Responsibilities
· Prepares patient for dental hygiene treatment by welcoming, soothing, seating, and draping student
· Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests
· Selects materials and equipment for dental hygiene visits by evaluating patients’ oral health
· Completes dental prophylaxis by cleaning and screening; feeling and visually examining gums; using probes to locate periodontal disease and assess recession levels; exposing and developing radiographic studies
· Arrest dental decay by applying fluorides and other cavity-preventing agents
· Maintains patient appearance and ability to masticate by fabricating temporary restorations; cleaning and polishing removable appliances; placing, carving, and finishing amalgam restorations; removing cement from crowns and bridges
· Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drugs and oxygen supply and directory of emergency numbers
· Educates patients by giving oral hygiene and plaque control instructions
· Documents dental hygiene services by recording vital signs and medical and dental histories; charts in patient records
· Maintains patient confidentiality and protects operations by keeping information confidential
· Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations
· Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols
· Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer’s instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions, calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating the latest equipment and techniques
· Maintains dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies
Minimum Qualifications
Associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited college or university and current Georgia dental hygienist license and three (3) years of job-related experience, which includes one (1) year experience in a lead worker, team leader, or supervisory role; or one (1) year experience at the lower-level Dental Hygienist 3 (HCT012) or position equivalent.
Annual salary $70,000 plus generous benefits including 13 paid holidays, annual and sick leave, health insurance, and retirement plans.
No phone calls, applications accepted ONLINE ONLY through the link posted
