Registered Dental Hygienist

Registered Dental Hygienist – Mobile Dental Clinic

SITE OF SERVICE

White River Junction VA Medical Center, 163 Veterans Drive, White River Junction, VT 05001. This position operates a mobile dental clinic that is based out of White River Junction and deployed to surrounding rural areas throughout VISN 01 to serve Veterans with ischemic heart disease who may be in highly rural areas.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This position supports the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (Section 144) Dental Pilot Program. The program provides dental care for Veterans diagnosed with ischemic heart disease, with emphasis on serving rural populations through mobile dental clinic services.

HOURS

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Federal holidays off.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Registered Dental Hygienist provides comprehensive dental hygiene care under the supervision of the dentist, including patient assessments, prophylactic treatments, scaling and root planing, radiographs, and patient education. The RDH assists with mobile dental clinic operations, infection control, and contributes to pilot program quality improvement initiatives.

POSITION QUALIFICATION/REQUIREMENTS

•       Degree: Associate degree or higher from a dental hygiene program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)

•       Licensure: Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice dental hygiene in the state of Vermont

•       Radiography Certification: Must meet credentialing standards per P.L. 97-35 and 42 C.F.R. Part 75; accredited dental hygiene programs include curriculum meeting dental radiographer certification requirements

•       Experience: Minimum one (1) year creditable experience as a full-time dental hygienist serving diverse adult patient populations; VA dental clinic experience preferred

•       Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification from American Heart Association approved program

•       Driver's License: Current unrestricted driver's license in the United States with ability to drive mobile dental clinic (CDL not required); willingness to complete VA vehicle operation training per VA Directive 0637

•       Technical Skills: Knowledge of Microsoft 365 Office programs including Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook

DUTIES

•       Operate mobile dental clinic and ensure equipment is functional and safely transported; assist with setup and breakdown at various locations

•       Ensure mobile dental clinic is secured at White River Junction at end of each shift

•       Perform patient medical assessment including medical/dental history, social history, vital signs, full periodontal assessment, dental hygiene assessment, and charting

•       Provide disease and treatment management recommendations as treatment planned by supervising dentist

•       Perform routine and advanced prophylactic treatment, scaling and root planing, polishing teeth

•       Apply fluoride for caries prevention and hypersensitivity

•       Capture radiographs, evaluate images for diagnostic quality, and utilize dental imaging safety techniques

•       Securely upload images to Veteran's electronic dental record

•       Instruct patients in oral hygiene, brushing and flossing techniques, and periodontal aids

•       Plan and adapt home care instructions tailored to individual patient needs and oral problems

•       Explain cause of periodontal disease and tooth decay; importance of diet and hygiene to oral and systemic health

•       Provide denture care, patient education on tobacco cessation, caries and periodontal disease prevention

•       Manage stable medically compromised patients including risk factors

•       Perform instrument sharpening

•       Assist dentist during examinations and procedures as necessary

•       Coordinate sterile processing of reusable medical devices with facility Sterile Processing Service

•       Maintain and clean equipment and instruments per Office of Dentistry Infection Control Standards

•       Ensure proper handling and disposal of waste, sharps, and biohazard material

•       Assist with scheduling appointments and managing patient flow coordination

•       Assist in preparing reports summarizing dental care activities and performance metrics

•       Assist in gathering stakeholder feedback and improving pilot program effectiveness

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/SKILLS

Must abide by all vehicle traffic laws and be responsible for any violations. Immediately notify designated POC of mobile dental clinic maintenance issues. No personal reusable medical devices or equipment shall be used in patient care. Must complete all VA-required training sessions within specified timelines. Strong interpersonal skills required. Mastery of oral and written communication skills. Subject to VA acceptance based on conduct standards mirroring Federal Personnel Regulations.

LUKE is an Equal Opportunity Employer

LUKE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.

Learn more about us at lukestaffing.com

View all open positions: lukestaffing.com/jobs