Dental Hygienist Location:

Denver, Colorado Contract Length:

8 Weeks with Potential to

Extend Hours:

Part Time; 2 days per week (can be Mon/Tue/Thurs), 9a - 5p

Compensation:

$50-$55/hr Why You'll Love Working with SnapCare End-of-Shift Pay through Paymint Available or Weekly Pay Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability Insurance 24/7 Clinician Support Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval Clinician Recognition Program with Cash Bonuses Position Summary The Dental Hygienist provides preventive and therapeutic oral healthcare services to patients receiving treatment within a state inpatient psychiatric hospital. Working under the supervision of a licensed dentist and in collaboration with nursing, medical, behavioral health, and security personnel, this position supports patients who may have complex psychiatric, medical, behavioral, and oral healthcare needs. The Dental Hygienist must provide compassionate, patient-centered care while maintaining professional boundaries, following hospital safety procedures, and adapting treatment approaches based on each patient's clinical presentation and ability to participate in care. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Perform dental hygiene assessments and review relevant medical, dental, and medication histories. Conduct oral health screenings and identify conditions requiring evaluation by the supervising dentist. Provide preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene services within the individual's authorized scope of practice. Remove plaque, calculus, and stains from teeth using appropriate dental instruments and equipment. Apply fluoride treatments, sealants, desensitizing agents, and other preventive materials as authorized. Obtain dental radiographs when ordered and permitted by facility procedures. Educate patients regarding oral hygiene, periodontal health, nutrition, and preventive dental care. Adapt education and treatment techniques for patients with psychiatric, cognitive, developmental, behavioral, or communication-related needs. Assist the dentist with developing and carrying out patient treatment plans. Monitor patients for changes in condition, behavioral escalation, medical distress, or adverse reactions during treatment. Coordinate with nursing and medical staff regarding medications, health conditions, treatment precautions, and follow-up needs. Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation in the patient's health record. Follow infection-control, sterilization, bloodborne-pathogen, and hazardous-material procedures. Maintain dental instruments, equipment, supplies, and treatment areas in a clean and safe condition. Follow hospital procedures regarding patient movement, restricted items, tool and instrument accountability, emergencies, and personal safety. Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, quality-improvement activities, training, and other assigned clinical responsibilities. Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and all applicable state and facility requirements. Perform other related duties consistent with the position and professional scope of practice. Minimum Qualifications Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program. Current, unrestricted license to practice as a Dental Hygienist in Colorado. Current Basic Life Support certification through an approved provider. Knowledge of dental hygiene principles, periodontal care, infection prevention, and dental radiography. Ability to complete all required background checks, fingerprinting, health screenings, and facility onboarding requirements. Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with patients, healthcare professionals, and hospital personnel. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience in behavioral health, forensic healthcare, correctional healthcare, public health, or another institutional setting. Experience treating patients with serious mental illness, cognitive impairments, developmental disabilities, substance-use disorders, or complex medical conditions. Experience using electronic health records and documenting care in an interdisciplinary healthcare environment. Training in trauma-informed care, verbal de-escalation, and behavioral crisis prevention. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to provide respectful and nonjudgmental care to a diverse patient population. Ability to recognize when a patient's psychiatric, behavioral, or medical condition may affect the safety or appropriateness of dental treatment. Strong observation, organization, documentation, and clinical judgment skills. Ability to remain calm and follow established procedures during behavioral or medical emergencies. Ability to establish therapeutic rapport while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team. Ability to follow detailed safety, security, infection-control, and instrument-accountability procedures. Ability to adjust communication and treatment approaches based on a patient's clinical condition and level of understanding.

Pay:

$50.00 - $55.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person