Dental Hygienist (Health Services)

Position Summary 

This position is funded by a grant for a duration of time as defined by the grant.  

• Work schedule is 1625 hours per year. 
• Work for 10 months and an Unpaid Furlough for June and July. 

Works under general supervision, provides dental hygiene services and sealant placement in school and clinic settings; delivers oral health education; and collaborates with community and public health partners to support dental programs.  

Pay Grade: 48H
 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Four (4) years of experience as a dental hygienist, and an associate degree from an accredited college or university in dental hygiene, OR 
• Two (2) years of experience as a dental hygienist, and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in dental hygiene, AND 
• Licensed or eligible for licensure to practice dental hygiene in the state of Tennessee. 
• PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED. 
   

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Assists the Dentist with scheduling, coordination, and delivery of school-based dental sealant and clinical programs, including rotating clinical support. 
• Sets up, operates, and monitors portable dental equipment in school settings; maintains equipment, instruments, and work areas, and assists with supply inventory. 
• Provides preventive dental services, including oral prophylaxis, fluoride treatments, dental sealant application, patient education, and oral hygiene instruction. 
• Supports oral examinations by charting dental conditions, assessing hard and soft tissues, recording periodontal findings, and taking and developing X-rays. 
• Delivers dental health education and outreach to students, teachers, parents, and community partners, including preparation and distribution of educational materials. 
• Maintains patient records, databases, and required reports related to dental services and outreach activities. 
• Performs other related duties as required or directed. 
   

KSAs 

• Knowledge of dental hygiene principles and practices, including preventive procedures and patient care techniques. 
• Knowledge of dental hygiene methods and clinical procedures, including sealants, prophylaxis, fluoride treatments, and radiographic support. 
• Knowledge of dental public health programs, including program objectives, services, and socio-economic factors affecting oral health. 
• Knowledge of infection control standards and regulations and the ability to apply them in clinical and school-based settings. 
• Knowledge of modern dental equipment and instruments and their safe and proper use. 
• Skilled in planning and delivering dental health education, including lectures, demonstrations, and patient instruction. 
   

Special Requirements 

• Must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license or secure one upon the date of employment. 
• Must have daily access to an operable automobile and meet county requirements for automobile insurance upon date of employment. 
• Must be able to travel to assigned locations. 
• Must maintain all required licenses, certifications, and training credentials throughout the duration of employment.  
   

Physical Requirements 

• Must be able to lift portable dental equipment (minimum of 40 lbs.).
     

Disclaimer 

This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate. 

Shelby County Resident Disclaimer 

All employees hired after September 1, 1986, must be residents of Shelby County and shall continue to reside in the County as a condition of their employment.  The residency requirement shall not apply to certain public safety/civil service employees.  This means exemption from this policy is in effect for the following departments and positions: (1) Sheriff Deputy Patrol Officers, Deputy Jailers and Dispatchers, employed by the Sheriff Department, (2) Correction Officers employed by the Division of Corrections, (3) Firefighters, Paramedics and Dispatchers employed by the Shelby County Fire Department.  The residency exemption for public safety/civil service employees does not include Appointed positions with Sheriff’s Office, Division of Corrections or the Fire Department.