Dental Hygienist

Sea Mar Community Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) founded in 1978, is a community-based organization committed to providing quality, comprehensive health, human, housing, educational and cultural services to diverse communities, specializing in service to Latinos in Washington State. Sea Mar proudly serves all persons without regard to race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender, or sexual orientation, and regardless of ability to pay for services. Sea Mar's network of services includes more than 90 medical, dental, and behavioral health clinics and a wide variety of nutritional, social, and educational services. We are recruiting for the following position:

Sea Mar is a mandatory COVID-19 and flu vaccine organization

Job Title

Dental Hygienist

Position Summary

The main responsibility of the Dental Hygienist position is to provide dental services to patients of Sea Mar Community Health Center consistent with his/her training following the standards established for this profession and allowed under his/her license from the State of Washington Department of Health.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a mission-driven organization, the core values of, and the services offered at Sea Mar are based on the belief that everyone deserves to be respectfully treated in a way that preserves dignity and enhances self-worth. Sea Mar is an advocate for its clients and aims to achieve industry-leading, client-centered, culturally-aware services. Sea Mar employees serve as an extension of this mission and demonstrate their commitment to an excellent client experience by:

 Understanding and empathizing with client needs

 Surpassing client expectations

 Demonstrating a high level of integrity

 Exhibiting compassion and commitment

 Advocating for social justice

 Taking pride in individual work as well as that of the team

 Continually learning to stay current with industry standards, best practices and technology As a Sea Mar employee, the individual in this position commits to adherence to these values to their utmost ability and endeavors to strengthen and embody this mission daily.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 To practice dentistry in an ethical manner, meeting the standards of the dental hygiene profession and in accordance to the Washington State Dental Practice Act, pertaining to Dental Hygienists.

 To supervise the clinical activities of dental assistants according to the Washington State Dental Practice Act.

Job Description

 To be current in basic life support (BLS) certification.

 To provide dental care under strict methods of aseptic control and in a manner that results in patient, staff and dentist safety.

 To acquire new knowledge and skills contributing to the provision of high quality dental care.

 To coordinate patient care by seeking consultations from, or referrals to, other health professionals, when necessary.

 To utilize staff and patients' time efficiently in order to maximize productivity and patient satisfaction.

 To use the appropriate procedure codes consistent with the dental services rendered.

 To participate in designated Quality Improvement activities of the Dental Program and of Sea Mar Community Health Centers, when assigned.

 To help make dental care available to the patients of Sea Mar Community Health Center and to the public by participating in activities which promote dental and oral health in the community.

 To be able to perform other duties or responsibilities as assigned.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

 Have a current and valid license from the State of Washington Department of Health and a Dental Hygienist’s Contract with Sea Mar Community Health Center.

 Provide dental hygiene services to patients under the supervision of staff dentists and the administration of the Dental Director and the Corporation's Chief Executive Officer and meet the productivity goals established by Sea Mar.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform satisfactorily the requirements listed in the task and duty list above. Below are general qualifications and abilities that the position may require to perform the task and duty list successfully:

LANGUAGE SKILLS

 Have the ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports and legal documents.

 Must be able to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies or other members of the health profession.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

 Have the ability to calculate basic mathematical figures and amounts such as discounts, proportions and percentages.

REASONING ABILITY

 Have the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.  Have a basic understanding of the concepts of bio-statistical analyses.

Education and Experience, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations, and Medical Screening

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Must have current and valid:

 Have successfully completed a dental hygiene program, in an accredited School of Dental Hygiene, that has been approved by the State of Washington.

 Have successfully completed the national boards for dental hygienists.

 Professional license to practice in the State of Washington.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

 Malpractice insurance.

 The applicant must have an initial TB test at hire and an annual retest.

 Pre-hire and annual employee health screening required

 Annual influenza vaccine required. Only exception is for employees with a medical or religious exemption approved by Administration. Employees with an approved medical or religious exemption must wear a mask at all time during the flu season.

Work Environment

Dental Hygienists will encounter an office setting and assigned staff that may include other hygienists. As part of a dental team, the hygienist will need to develop healthy interpersonal relationships with staff to effectively deliver optimal dental care to all patients. Interpersonal relationships with the patients are equally important.

Physical Requirements

All current and future dental records are and will be electronic, with digital radiographs available for diagnostics. Hygienists are to wear proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) when treating patients. Infection control and Safety protocols are always observed in the clinic area when using dental instruments or equipment, including use of Nitrous Oxide/oxygen gas. Most full-time hygienists work 4 or 5 days a week with a standardized daily work load. Some hygienists work Saturdays as an extra day, depending on patient needs and their availability.

What We Offer:

Sea Mar offers talented and motivated people the opportunity to work in a dynamic and growing community health organization. Working at Sea Mar Community Health Centers is more than just a job, it’s a fulfilling career with opportunity for advancement. The fringe benefits surpass most companies. For example, Full-time employees working 30 hours or more, receive an excellent benefit package of:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Prescription coverage
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• Paid-time-off starting at 24 days per year + 10 paid Holidays.
• We also offer 401(k)/Retirement options and an exciting opportunity to work in a culturally diverse environment. 

Sea Mar is an equal opportunity employer.

Please visit our website to learn more about us at www.seamar.org. You may also apply thru our Career page at this link.