Dental Hygienist

Job Summary:

Nature of Work:

The University of Colorado, College of Nursing, is seeking a Dental Hygienist for a part-time (0.80 – 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. https://nursing.cuanschutz.edu/patient-care/sheridan-health-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.

Work Location:

Sheridan Health Services - 3525 W. Oxford Avenue | Unit G1 Denver, CO 80236

Why Join Us:

CU Nursing is an amazing place to be. We have the distinct advantage of being a part of a huge medical campus with three incredible hospitals – the VA, the nationally ranked University of Colorado Hospital, and the Children’s Hospital Colorado where our nursing students and faculty learn every day. From our beginning 125 years ago as part of the School of Medicine at CU Boulder to our current home at the Anschutz Medical Campus, the college has been a recognized leader in nursing education (ranked #10 in online MS graduate programs by U.S. News & World Report 2023). Our faculty, students and staff have been instrumental in shaping the profession of nursing and teaching the next generation of nurses while treating patients in our own nurse-led clinics. Be a part of an innovative, dynamic, diverse, and exciting workplace -- helping make great things happen.  Join us in our quest to boldly transform health together. 

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://nursing.cuanschutz.edu/about/careers/benefits .

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty, and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community, and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

  Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current, valid licensure as a dental hygienist from the Colorado Dental Board.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be willing and able to obtain Colorado license by date of hire.
• Must be willing and able to obtain valid NPI number by date of hire.
• Must be willing and able to obtain a valid Colorado Medicaid Provider number by date of hire.
• Must be willing and able to complete CAQH by date of hire.
• Must be willing and able to obtain current BLS/CPR certification by date of hire.
• Must be willing and able to actively participate in health plan contracts.
• Must be willing and able to remain credentialed by the health plans and ensure credentialing materials stay current.
• Must be willing and able to ensure strict compliance with University and professional policies/procedures.
• Must be willing and able to work in normal patient care environment with some exposure to biological hazards and infectious diseases.
• Must be willing and able to treat both adult and pediatric populations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience utilizing bilingual skills (Spanish/English) at a conversation level in a clinical setting.
• One years’ experience as a dental hygienist.
• Experience working in a community health center and/or public health setting.
• One year of Electronic Health Record (EHR) experience, with a system such as Intergy/MediaDent, or similar.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Considerable degree of independent judgment and work priorities is necessary to monitor and respond to changes in a patient, provider, and staff needs.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively with patients, their families, and other members of the health care team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Effective leadership and motivational ability.
• Good organizational, time management, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to be a collaborative team member with members in the organization to create both clinical and operational excellence.
• Ability to effectively manage schedules.
• Ability to manage caseload of 10-12 patients per day.
• Comprehensive knowledge of dental materials, their use, maintenance, and storage.
• Ability to ensure HIPAA and OSHA compliance.
• Computer competency and familiarity with an Electronic Medical Record/Electronic Dental Record system.
• Exemplary organizational skills and ability to prioritize.
• Ability to function as a team member, as well as independently, to complete responsibilities.
• Highly responsible, reliable, and courteous.
• Unconditional ability to maintain patient confidentiality.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1.     A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2.     Curriculum vitae / Resume

3.     Three to five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

College of Nursing Human Resources at [email protected]

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Anticipated Salary Range:

The hiring range for this position has been established at $83,000 to $90,000.

The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. 

This position is eligible for overtime compensation.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected] ​.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases . If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program .