Dental Hygienist, School-Based Health Center

We are recruiting for a mission-driven Dental Hygienist, School-Based Health Center to join our team! We're with you for life’s journey. At Denver Health, purpose isn’t just something we believe in—it’s something we live every day, for life’s journey. Our Values Respect | Belonging | Accountability | Transparency Department SBHC-DPS Dental Program Job Summary Under indirect or no supervision (direct access care), performs dental hygiene services for the care and treatment of patients in the School-Based health centers. This may include an assessment and diagnosis of oral diseases and treatment plan within the scope of practice of a Licensed Dental Hygienist in Colorado to complete preventative prophylaxis cleanings, periodontal maintenance treatment, non-surgical periodontal therapy, oral hygiene instruction, fluoride application and placement of dental sealants. Prescribes therapeutic agents within their scope according to the state practice act, with collaboration of an attending dentist. Under indirect supervision, administers injectable local anesthetic when indicated, application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) (with certification) and with certification and a permit from the state, can apply Interim Therapeutic Restorations (ITR). The dental hygienist will also be responsible for completing medical and dental histories, taking necessary radiographs according to ALARA principles, taking vital signs when indicated and ensuring the patient's periodontal and dental exams are up to date. Essential Functions: Patient Care: Performs dental hygiene assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning for dental hygiene services. Identifies dental abnormalities for immediate referral to a Denver Health (DH) community health clinic (CHC) dentist. Provides preventive measures including prophylactic cleaning, the application of fluoride and dental sealants. Take digital images for diagnosis and identifying dental abnormalities and for referral to a DH-CHC dentist. Administers topical and injectable local anesthetic as needed. Interviews patients/guardians to obtain medical and dental history and hard charts all existing dental restorations and suspected conditions. Completes a comprehensive periodontal assessment whenever indicated by oral conditions or as necessitated to properly diagnose for the dental hygiene treatment plan. Takes intraoral images for documentation, patient education and for referral to a DH-CHC dentist. Complete Caries Risk Assessment for all patients. (75%) Administrative Duties: Completes patient care notes within 72 hours of registration. Assists with sterile processing preparation. Completes daily maintenance of portable dental units. (20%) May be asked to fill-in at the dental sealant program, in the community dental clinics or in the Medical-Dental Integration programs. (5%) Education: Associate's Degree Dental Hygiene Required Work Experience: 4-6 years Direct clinical practice Required or 1-3 years In a medical-dental integrated or school-based dental setting Required Licenses: Dental Hygienist - DORA - Department of Regulatory Agencies Required and BLS-Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) - AHA - American Heart Association Required and LOCAL-Local Anesthesia - State Board of Dentistry Required ITR-Interim Therapeutic Restorations Permit - AAPD - American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of dental hygiene procedures and techniques sufficient to be able to perform the full scope of preventive dental hygiene services, including dental hygiene diagnosis of dental disease, oral health screenings, oral cancer screening, oral-systemic health education, fluoride treatment, dental sealants, prophylactic cleanings, and NSPT, (scaling and root planning). Critical thinking skills for determining when appropriate referrals are needed to dental specialists, medical care and/or behavioral healthcare. Knowlege of trauma informed care practices willingness to provide equitable care in a system that provides LGBTQ+ affirming and culturally diverse healthcare. Knowlege of motivational interviewing practices and ability to have effective coaching conversations with patients and their families around nutrition, oral-systemic health, oral diseases, home hygiene and substance use. With the appropriate certification as determined by the Dental Practice Act: Prescribes and applies silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for arresting caries, dentinal hypersensitivity and caries prevention. With the appropriate permit from the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) and as determined by the Dental Practice Act: After prescription of an interim therapeutic restoration (ITR) from a supervising dentist, places ITR on pediatric and adult patients. Complies with Dental Practice Act for continuing education requirements. May administer nitrous oxide for patient management under direct supervision according to the dental practice act. Knowledge of ALARA principles for prescribing and capturing dental radiographs. Knowlege of mandatory reporter processes Shift Days (United States of America) Work Type Partial Year (Ten Month) Salary $93,600.00 - $127,700.00 / yr Benefits At Denver Health, we take care of the people who take care of our community. Our benefits are built to support your life, your family, and your future — with generous paid time off, fully paid parental leave, exceptional retirement contributions, comprehensive health coverage, and nationally recognized well-being programs. We invest in your growth through tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, and professional development — while also offering meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions. When you join Denver Health, you’re joining a mission-driven organization that invests in you. Here is a small list of our benefit programs: Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick, and 7 Holidays 100% paid parental leave up to 6 weeks Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution up to 9.5% Generous medical, dental, vision plans in addition to employer paid disability and life insurance. Comprehensive well-being programs including on-site employee fitness center located on Denver Health main campus and nationally recognized RESTORE Center Free RTD EcoPass (public transportation) Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more Tuition reimbursement & assistance Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center (WFDC) that support internal career growth and advancement pathways Professional clinical advancement program & shared governance Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer+ free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the PSLF program National Health Service Corps (NHCS) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) eligible employer About Denver Health Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic health care system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver’s 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, the Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Denver Health Medical Plan and Denver Health Foundation. As Colorado’s primary, and essential, safety-net health care system, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided millions in uncompensated care for the uninsured each year. Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer. Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We value the unique ideas, talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community. All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled. We Love Our Purpose Our purpose shapes our culture and guides how we show up—for our patients, our communities, and one another. Every role at Denver Health contributes to improving lives, advancing health equity, and strengthening the communities we serve. Together, we strive to transform the health of our patients and to be the most trusted health care provider in Colorado. Our values—respect, belonging, transparency, and accountability—are the foundation of our culture and are reflected across every position, clinical and nonclinical alike. No matter where you work at Denver Health, your role has a meaningful impact on patient health—often in ways you may not even realize. We invest in our people through resources designed to support both immediate success and long-term growth. Mentorship programs, tuition assistance, and our Workforce Development Center help employees transition seamlessly into their roles while preparing for future advancement. We also lead the market with a competitive benefits package, including retirement contributions with a match of up to 9.5%. Recognizing the emotional and physical demands of many jobs in health care, we created the RESTORE Center—a leading-edge space that provides intentional peer-support, and an innovative environment designed to reduce burnout and support employee well-being. At Denver Health, purpose isn’t just something we believe in—it’s something we live every day, for life’s journey. Learn more about Denver Health.