JHC Dental Hygienist

The Jamestown Healing Clinic (JHC) is seeking a Dental Hygienist who is passionate about providing exceptional oral healthcare in a supportive, trauma-informed environment. In this role, you'll work closely with patients affected by substance use disorders, delivering preventive dental services, education, and compassionate care while promoting long-term oral health and overall wellness.

If you're looking for a meaningful career where you can make a lasting impact on your community, we'd love to hear from you.

Schedule

• Part-Time

• 2-3 days per month

• Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday

• 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Essential Functions

Clinical Responsibilities

• Examine patients' oral cavities, including the mouth, throat, and pharynx, documenting the condition of teeth and surrounding tissues.

• Refer patients to the dentist for decay, defective fillings, oral abnormalities, periodontal disease, and other concerns.

• Apply desensitizing agents and other topical medications as appropriate.

• Perform comprehensive oral prophylaxis, including:

• Seating and draping patients.

• Supragingival and subgingival scaling using cavitron and universal scaling instruments.

• Removing calculus deposits, accretions, and stains.

• Polishing teeth using rubber prophy cups and prophy paste.

• Applying topical fluorides, anticariogenic agents, and occlusal sealants.

• Cleaning and polishing removable dental appliances.

• Administer topical and local anesthesia as permitted.

• Expose, develop, and mount dental radiographs, including bitewing, panoramic, and periapical images.

• Interpret radiographs to identify calculus, decay, oral abnormalities, and periodontal bone loss while utilizing X-rays as patient education tools.

• Record medical histories and treatment provided.

• Maintain dental instruments and equipment in optimal working condition.

• Disinfect operatories and sterilize instruments in accordance with Dental Clinic Policies & Procedures, JST Public Health & Safety Plan, and the Tribe's Exposure Control Plan.

• Educate patients individually and in groups using models, displays, brochures, videos, and other educational materials.

• Demonstrate proper brushing, flossing, and periodontal care techniques.

Trauma-Informed Care

• Provide care using a trauma-informed approach that recognizes the impact of past trauma on health behaviors.

• Tailor communication and treatment plans to meet each patient's individual needs.

Harm Reduction

• Integrate harm reduction principles into patient care.

• Educate patients about the effects of substance use on oral health and strategies to reduce associated risks.

Patient Education & Support

• Address patient questions and concerns with empathy and respect.

• Provide resources and referrals for additional healthcare services when appropriate.

Additional Responsibilities

• Follow all Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe and Jamestown Healing Clinic policies and procedures, including HIPAA, safety standards, and infection control practices.

• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

• Current Washington State Dental Hygienist License.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) and First Aid certification for Healthcare Providers.

• Complete 15 hours of continuing education annually.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.

• Knowledge of:

• Dental and oral anatomy

• Oral physiology and histology

• Radiology and nutrition

• Preventive dentistry principles and techniques

• Dental instruments and materials

• Skill and dexterity in performing scaling, curettage, and root planing.

• Comfortable treating periodontally involved patients.

• Ability to educate and motivate patients on oral health and disease prevention.

• Basic computer proficiency with the ability to learn dental scheduling and electronic charting software.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to travel locally and regionally as needed.

• Valid driver's license.

• Ability to successfully pass a criminal background investigation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with patients affected by substance use disorders.

• Experience or training in trauma-informed care.

• Knowledge of harm reduction principles and practices.

• American Indian/Alaska Native hiring preference applies.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform dental hygiene procedures while sitting for extended periods.

• Ability to respond effectively during emergency situations.

• Must be available to work any shift, including weekends and holidays, as business needs require.

• Ability to lift, push, and carry up to 25 pounds without assistance.

• Ability to stand, sit, walk, bend, climb, squat, twist, and reach throughout the workday.

• Strong manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and visual acuity.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced healthcare environment while maintaining professionalism and exceptional patient care.At Jamestown Healing Clinic, you'll be part of a compassionate, multidisciplinary team dedicated to improving the health and well-being of our community. We value respect, collaboration, and culturally responsive care while supporting professional growth and work that truly makes a difference.

Apply today and help create healthier smiles while making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.