Dental Hygienist

Job Description

Title: Dental Hygienist*

Reports to: Manager, Dental Program

Locations: Kingston & Napanee

Position Type: Permanent, 28 hours/week (0.8 FTE)

Start Date: Immediately

Salary: $32.45-38.18

Position Summary

Working with an interdisciplinary team in brand new clinics in Kingston and Napanee, the Dental Hygienist provides comprehensive oral care as part of a dental program focused on serving clients of the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP). This program provides free, routine dental services for low-income seniors. The dental hygienist will be part of a dynamic dental team that provides service to community members in Kingston and Napanee.

The Kingston Community Health Centres ensures all staff have access to all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), has installed HEPA air purifiers in each operatory in order to improve air quality, and actively monitors the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO) COVID-19 protocols and procedures to ensure alignment and adherence within the clinics.

Please note that the clinic hours of operation are currently Monday-Friday 8:30AM-4:30PM (Kingston) and Monday-Tuesday 8:00AM-4:00PM (Napanee).

Key Responsibilities

Client Service

• Provides services to clients by conducting various dental hygiene activities, including initial dental assessments, treatment planning, debridement, root planing, scaling, polishing, applying fluoride treatment, anti-microbials.
• Works as part of the dental care team to develop and implement client care plans including collecting and analyzing information and participating in activities that promote comprehensive oral care and overall oral health.
• Identifies indications of periodontal disease and develops strategies for treatment.
• Assists dental health program by taking x-rays, taking dental impressions and pouring models, as needed.
• Follows infection, prevention and control and sterilization protocols of dental instruments and equipment.
• Educates clients regarding specific and general oral care and hygiene procedures.
• Provides information on programs and services to clients.
• Collaborates with various healthcare professionals.
• Ensures all infection, prevention, and control protocols and procedures are followed within the clinical setting.
• Takes a trauma and violence-informed approach to service delivery.

Administration

• Maintains accurate documentation and client records.
• Monitors use of supplies, including personal protective equipment.
• Assists with preparing billing information for processing (i.e. OW and ODSP), as needed.
• Assists in capturing data and information for program reporting requirements, as needed.
• Assists patients with health service navigation, as needed.
• Participates in team meetings.
• Contributes to the development and review of clinic policy and procedure manuals.
• Participates in community education and program promotion events, as needed.
• Contributes to the development of communication and promotional material, as needed.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Complies with all relevant legislation and KCHC policies, including privacy laws.
• Commits to acquiring an understanding of the importance of trauma responsiveness and the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
• Supports consistent application and development of KCHC policies and procedures.
• Supports KCHC’s student and volunteer placement programs.
• Promotes awareness of and participation in KCHC activities.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and quality improvement.
• On occasion, perform other temporary duties as required.

Basic Education and Experience Requirements

• Diploma in Dental Hygiene and current registration with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO) and Canadian Dental Hygiene Association (CDHA).
• Current CPR and First Aid.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Self-initiating with a minimum of three years of experience in a dental office.
• Experience working in a community setting an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-disciplinary, team-based setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge and implementation of Infection Prevention and Control standards.
• Must possess the following traits/skills: patience, empathy, and observation skills in order to work with seniors; sensitivity to the needs of the designated target population and the care they require.
• Proficiency with office-based computer systems and relevant software applications including electronic medical records (experience with Abledent an asset).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and above-average attention to detail.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and a commitment to being a “team player.”
• Comprehensive understanding of infection control within the field of dental care and experience with proper sterilization techniques.
• Knowledge of conventional and digital x-rays (Dexis).
• Capacity to work with diverse populations.

Competencies

• Organizational Competencies: Accountability, Client Focus, Collaboration, Continuous Learning.
• Position Competencies: Attention to detail, Communication, Initiative, Teamwork, Time management.

Other Requirements

• This position has shifts primarily in Kingston, with travel to Napanee as needed; reliable transportation required.
• Current and satisfactory Criminal and Vulnerable Persons Check.
• French language is an asset.

Application Instructions

• Please include a cover letter clearly outlining how your skills and experiences correspond with the specific job qualifications along with your resume.
• Save all documents as a single PDF file using your own name (Last, First).
• Email to hr(a)kchc.ca citing reference “2024-15-KCHC” in the subject line.

All KCHC staff have a duty to understand and follow KCHC policies, uphold high ethical and professional standards, and maintain confidentiality and privacy, using tact and good judgment in all dealings with other staff and clients.

KCHC is an equal opportunity employer, respecting and embracing the needs and diversity of our employees. If you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process, please notify Human Resources.

We are a proud Living Wage employer!

Kingston Community Health Centres, 263 Weller Ave. Kingston ON, K7K 2V4

www.KCHC.ca

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: $32.45-$38.18 per hour

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person