Dental Hygienist Assistant - School Linked Health

Welcome to Cherry Health - video about Cherry Health

Overview of Position:

Under the supervision of the Dental Director and at the direction of the Director, Program – School Linked Health, the Dental Hygienist Assistant works in a school dental clinic setting, assisting dental hygienists in providing services to school children. These services include education, prevention, referral, follow-up, and maintenance.

This role requires adherence to organizational policies, procedures, and licensing standards. The assistant must represent the organization’s mission in all actions and communications.

This is a part time (30-39 hours/week), benefit eligible position typically working Monday - Friday = 7 hour shifts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Escort patients to and from treatment, prepare them for procedures, and assist with educating them about proper oral hygiene.
• Assist the dental hygienist in performing procedures, including setting up trays, disinfecting equipment, sterilizing instruments, and maintaining a clean, efficient work area.
• Provide chairside assistance as needed during treatments.
• Coordinate and communicate with school staff regarding the daily school schedule.
• Maintain dental supplies and ensure the school dental clinic is fully stocked.
• Maintain patient records and assist in recording patient information.
• Perform follow-up phone calls to parents as necessary.
• Assist in the statistical recording and reporting of patient information.
• Other duties as assigned.
   

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR certification as required by licensure.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions accurately.
• Competency in completing clerical tasks and confidential record-keeping.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with principals, teachers, and students.
• Maintain professional behavior at all times.
• Ability to adapt and work effectively under varying working conditions.
• Adhere to safety standards set by the CDC, ADA, and OSHA for both staff and patient safety.
   

Competencies:

• Customer Service
• Collaboration
• Integrity
• Respect
• Professionalism
• Learning
   

Education / Licenses / Certificates:

High School diploma or GED is required.
 

Experience:

One year of experience in a dental office is helpful, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
 

Physical Requirements:

• Possible exposure to patients/clients with illnesses and infections.
• Frequent use of telephone and computer, requiring manual dexterity for typing and writing.
• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods.
• Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• May require bending, squatting, kneeling, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.

Client Population Served:

Adolescents
 

The essential functions of this position must be able to be accomplished with or without accommodations.

Who we are:

Cherry Health, Michigan’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), operates in six counties across the state, is based in Grand Rapids. With a team of more than 800 health care professionals at 20 locations, Cherry Health focuses on removing barriers, expanding access, and delivering comprehensive quality health care services to underserved communities, regardless of an individual’s insurance status or ability to pay. We provide primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy services, substance abuse services, residential re-entry services, school-based health centers and more.

Our Mission: 

Cherry Health improves the health and wellness of individuals by providing comprehensive primary and behavioral health care while encouraging access by those who are underserved.

Our Vision: 

Our community will be healthier because we will seek out and welcome those who need our services. All will be treated as family with integrated, coordinated care to improve health and personal well-being.

Our Values:

• Collaboration – Support the Cherry Health mission by encouraging teamwork to accomplish organizational goals.
• Customer Service – Serve internal and external customers in a welcoming manner with compassionate care.
• Innovation – Embrace creativity to improve patient care and workplace efficiency while remaining curious and open to learning.
• Integrity – Uphold the highest ethical standards by being honest and trustworthy.
• Professionalism – Create a positive work environment where we care accountable for our decision, our action and the results.

Benefits:

Cherry Health has excellent benefit offerings dependent on employment status.  Check out a sample of the benefits available to our team members below!

• Loan repayment through the NHSC and Michigan State Loan Repayment Program for select roles
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your family
• Generous Paid Time Off benefit – 4 weeks per year for full time
• Paid holidays - 8 full day paid holidays (Including Black Friday!) and 2 half day paid holidays!
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with generous employer match - $ for $ match up to 5% 
• MET and MESP 529 Savings Plans
• Pet Insurance!
• Employee Assistance Program  

Our policy is to offer all employees and applicants for employment equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, or any other protected category.