Dental Hygienist - Part-Time

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
The School of Dentistry, Department of Oral Medicine has an outstanding opportunity for a part-time (50%) Registered Dental Hygienist in our DECOD (Dental Education in Care of Persons with Disabilities) Clinic for .4 FTE and in the Maxillofacial Prosthodontics Clinic for .1 FTE. This .5 FTE position is shared between the two clinics. The DECOD clinic is a major resource for Washington citizens who have developmental or acquired disabilities. The goal is to improve oral health and contribute to the well-being and oral function of clinic patients. Our clinic is not only friendly but works as a team with caregivers, family members and medical staff to provide the best oral health care to our patients.”
DECOD provides dental care that is not otherwise available in the community for patients with developmental and acquired disabilities. Clinical services include diagnostic, emergency, and comprehensive dental and oral health care services. The successful candidate will provide dental hygiene care to patients with disabilities and special health care needs in the DECOD clinic and/or provide care in off-site outreach programs. Evaluate overall oral health for people with physical, medical, developmental, or cognitive conditions which limit their ability to receive routine dental care. Remove deposits and stains from teeth by performing prophylaxis, debridement, scaling and root planning or periodontal maintenance as diagnosed by a dentist. Instruct patient or caregivers on proper preventative care and good oral health practices. Assist with behavioral supports as directed by dental providers.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Perform the following RDH duties:

Prepare tray setups for dental procedures

Greet patients and help patients feel comfortable during and after dental treatment

Obtain and review patients health history and/or treatment records

Comply with PPE policies

Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment

Assess for, utilize, and consult with the supervising dentist on appropriate facilitation techniques including behavioral supports, pharmacological supports, and medication immobilization and protective stabilization

Communicate with patients and their representatives using principles of patient autonomy and understanding the roles of patient representatives including family members, paid caregivers, and guardians, including appropriate attainment of informed consent

Document in the health record with accuracy and sensitivity using appropriate disability language

Conduct team meetings/staff reviews for complex cases

Schedule and confirm appointments

Review health history with patients, caregivers and guardians

Assist with documentation in patients’ electronic health records

Participate in quality assurance and quality improvement for clinic and off-site/outreach programs

Instruct students in the appropriate role of dental hygiene and dental hygiene techniques in the delivery of patient care; Orient new staff and students regarding clinic procedures and policies

Perform other duties as provided in the dental laws of the State of Washington
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from an accredited school of dental hygiene, AND a current license to practice as a dental hygienist in the State of Washington

Equivalent education/experience may substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration