School-Based Dental Hygienist (Part-Time)

PRIMARY DUTIES:

The part-time School-Based Dental Hygienist provides preventive and educational oral health services to pediatric populations within school settings as part of a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). School settings can include elementary, middle, and high schools. This role focuses on improving care access to overall health outcomes through community-based service delivery. The hygienist works collaboratively with dentists, school staff, families, and care teams to deliver culturally competent, patient-centered care. Traveling between schools and FQHC sites may be required.

Clinical Care Delivery:

Provide preventive dental services in school-based settings, including:

Oral health assessments and screenings

Dental prophylaxis (cleanings)

Fluoride varnish applications

Dental sealants

Radiographs

Identify urgent dental needs and facilitate referrals to the FQHC dental clinic

Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in the electronic health record (EHR)

Care Coordination:

Collaborate with dentists and care teams to develop treatment plans and follow-up care

Coordinate referrals for restorative or specialty care

Communicate findings and recommendations to parents/guardians

Track and manage recall systems for ongoing preventive care

Health Education & Outreach:

Deliver oral health education to students, parents, and school staff

Promote preventive care practices and healthy behaviors

Participate in community outreach and public health initiatives

Support school-based oral health programs and screenings

Compliance & Quality:

Adhere to FQHC policies, HRSA requirements, and state dental practice regulations

Follow infection control and standards

Participate in quality improvement initiatives and reporting metrics (e.g., UDS measures)

Ensure proper maintenance and sterilization of portable equipment with inventory and supplies

Program Support:

Assist with logistical setup and breakdown of mobile/portable dental units

Maintain inventory of dental supplies and equipment

Support program data collection, reporting, and outcome tracking

Work with school administration to coordinate schedules and consent forms

OTHER DUTIES:

Other duties as assigned by supervisor

School-Based Dental Hygienist (Part-Time)

REPORTS TO: Chief Dental Officer and Director of School-Based Services

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Required

Associate or bachelor's degree in dental hygiene

Current state licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)

Local anesthesia certification (if applicable per state law)

CPR/BLS certification

Preferred

Experience in public health, school-based care, or community dental programs

Experience working in an FQHC or underserved populations

Bilingual (English/Spanish or other prevalent language in the community)

SKILLS:

Strong communication and patient education skills

Ability to work independently in non-traditional settings

Cultural competency and sensitivity to diverse populations

Organizational and time management skills

Proficiency with dental software/HER systems

Team collaboration and adaptability

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Visual and auditory accuracy

Shift length: part-time during school hours

Indoor setting

Continuous use of computer and calculator

Frequent use of telephone

Continuous repetitive grasping and manipulation of both hands

Continuous conversational communication

Continuous reaching, walking, squatting, kneeling, twisting, and climbing

Frequent carrying, lifting, pushing and pulling of up to 25 lbs.

Frequent working in confined, noisy, dusty areas

Occasionally use of personal car

Understand/carry out simple/detailed, oral/written instructions

Memorize and retain instructions

Read and interpret detailed specifications

Ability to transport and set up portable equipment

Prolonged periods of standing, sitting, and bending

Manual dexterity for clinical procedures

Exposure to typical clinical environments and infection control protocols