Nature of Work:
The University of Colorado, College of Nursing, is seeking a Dental Hygienist for a part-time (0.60 – 0.90 FTE) or full-time (1.0 FTE), benefits-eligible position within its federally qualified community health center, Sheridan Health Services (SHS), in Denver, CO.
This position provides culturally responsive, high-quality care to patients. Of the 3 clinical practice sites, this position is primarily located in the main dental department at 3525 W Oxford Ave G1 in Denver, Colorado 80236. Additional sites include the Youth Health Clinic at 4107B S Federal Blvd in Englewood, Colorado 80110, and a future mobile clinic.
The following description of work performed is intended to describe the general nature and level of work. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed. The clinical practice identifies site-specific position responsibilities.
SHS is a multi-site, nurse-managed FQHC, funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration Bureau of Primary Healthcare; and is a collaborative effort between the College of Nursing and the Sheridan School District. There are now 62 employees at three convenient locations to serve community health needs primarily for residents of Arapahoe, Denver, Adams, and Jefferson counties. The CU Youth Health Clinic is in the Sheridan School District Administration building in Englewood, CO. The CU Belleview Point Health Clinic is in southwest Aurora and the CU Family Health Clinic is located in southwest Denver on the Fort Logan campus and provides services to adults and children, 65% of whom identify as Latinx, and 42% of whom are best served in another language, with Spanish being the predominant second language. Services offered include primary care across the lifespan; prenatal and postpartum, gynecology, dentistry, pharmacy, behavioral health, and outpatient substance abuse treatment. SHS is a Patient-Centered Medical Home, and as such, we uphold a model of care that places the patient at the center, incorporating the values and beliefs of the patient in all decision-making. We extend the reach of the clinic through public health outreach where nursing students provide community outreach, health education, and home visitation services.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assesses dental condition and needs of patient using patient screening procedures, including medical history review, dental charting, and periodontal charting.
- Delivers direct patient care using established dental hygienist procedures.
- Takes patient vital signs as needed.
- Performs routine treatment procedures, such as cleaning and polishing.
- Takes, develops, and mounts radiographs.
- Traces radiographs required for corrective treatment.
- Applies sealants and fluorides.
- Makes impressions.
- Performs accurate and timely documentation including dental history, chief complaint, procedures, and treatment planning.
- Records and reports pertinent observations and patient reactions to dental staff.
- Documents lab procedures and ensures follow up on results.
- Educates patients regarding tooth decay and gum disease prevention.
- Cleans and sterilizes instruments.
- Collects data for grant reporting.
- Conducts quality improvement processes.
- Participates in regulatory compliance for dental department.
- Performs dental procedures in accordance with licensure.
- Orients dental students and precepts hygiene students, as needed.
- Orders and/or delegates and maintains medical equipment and supplies.
- Collaborates with the multidisciplinary team, utilizing key performance indicators to support innovative and cost-effective changes to practice.
- Ensures compliance with University, College, professional policies/procedures, and pertinent regulatory bodies.
- Participates in the selection and hiring of additional providers & staff.
- Conducts routine chart audits as required.
- Orders and/or delegates and maintains medical equipment and supplies.
- Collaborates with the credentialing department and CON credentialing committee.
- Serves as a role model and thought leader for their own profession.
- Manages resources effectively, considering the institution and practice’s fiscal responsibilities.
- Demonstrates understanding patient documentation, compliance, and billing best practice.
- Participates in required meeting.
- Supports the organization’s overall strategic plan and direction.
- Participates in the provision of Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) and Patient Centered Medical Home model of integrated care.
