Registered Dental Hygienist

This competition is open to all applicants however internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta in the past 18 months will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please indicate your internal status using the "Advertisement" drop down menu when applying.

This is a casual position with an appointment opportunity from February 1, 2022 to July 31, 2022, with the possibility of extension.

Reporting to the Clinical Supervisor and taking directions from the Program Directors, the Registered Dental Hygienist provides oral hygiene clinical treatment and education for patients of the School of Dentistry Clinics in Periodontology Graduate Program and Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). The incumbent will be expected to work from a broad scope of practice and skill set and competency to work independently to manage the patients’ periodontal health and provide the appropriate recommendations for treatment and supportive therapy. 

Duties

• Creates, develops and follows patient screening procedures; such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of the health history, oral cancer screening, dental charting and taking vitals, which determines the treatment and recommendations for the patient
• Prescribe, take and process dental radiographs (x-rays) to assess for bone loss and caries
• Removes calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth using quadrant or sextant appointment sequencing. 
• Applies preventive materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants, fluoride, silver diamine fluoride)
• Teach patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health (e.g., tooth brushing, interdental aids, etc)
• Counsel patients about good nutrition and its impact on oral health
• Administers local anesthetic by injection
• Diagnose disease and oral health issues, develop a treatment plan, and independently implement a treatment plan by utilizing the skills required by a registered dental hygienist in the Province of Alberta 
• Conducts diverse activities relating to oral health: screening, assessment, and providing patient counseling
• Delivers patient care in keeping with full awareness of patient’s medical condition or other drug usage, patient comorbidities and current prescriptions/OTC being taken. 

Qualifications

• Current registration with the College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta (CRDHA) 
• Successful completion of a recognized Diploma or Degree in Dental Hygiene, from an accredited program.
• 2 to 3 years recent clinical experience preferred 
• Experience with electronic patient charting is desirable.
• Position will be expected to be competent in the full scope of this role within 12 months
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) - Healthcare Provider Registration is required.
• Ability to be self-directed and to exercise independent professional judgment required
• Ability to implement treatment plans
• Ability to diagnose health issues or refer to specialists if necessary (such as if surgery is needed)
• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills are required.
• Proven effectiveness within interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Solid analytical, critical thinking, decision-making, and organizational skills are required.
• Proficiency with computer applications including MS Office Suite, email, and data entry is required.

COVID-19 Vaccination: Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 in compliance with the University’s COVID-19 Vaccination Directive. Fully Vaccinated means a status an individual achieves 14 days after having received the recommended number of doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada or the World Health Organization and requires the individual to maintain the recommended number and type of vaccine doses as updated and required by Health Canada thereafter.

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.