• Location: Blanding, Utah

Position Summary

The Hygiene Assistant is responsible for supporting Dental Hygienists in the delivery of efficient, safe, and high-quality patient care at Utah Navajo Health System, Inc. (UNHS). This position assists with patient preparation, radiographs, charting, infection control, oral health education, clinical documentation, equipment maintenance, and hygiene schedule workflow.

The Hygiene Assistant works closely with Dental Hygienists, Dentists, Dental Assistants, and front office staff to support a positive patient experience and efficient clinical operations. The position may also cross-train in additional Dental Assistant duties when appropriate and when competency requirements are met.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This position will carry out the following responsibilities:

Hygiene Support & Patient Care

1. Assist Dental Hygienists with patients scheduled for assisted hygiene, including seating patients, preparing treatment areas, taking radiographs, and charting as directed.
2. Obtain and accurately document patient medical and dental histories and vital signs.
3. Assist Dental Hygienists and Dentists with patient preparation and clinical workflow.
4. Provide reassurance, support, and appropriate patient education before, during, and after dental treatment.
5. Educate patients regarding oral hygiene, plaque control, preventive care, and other instructions within the scope of the position.
6. Polish teeth and apply fluoride or other preventive coatings when appropriately trained and permitted within applicable scope and organizational policy.
7. Assist Dental Providers in the management of medical or dental emergencies as directed.

Radiology

1. Obtain and maintain required Utah dental radiology certification.
2. Perform dental radiographic procedures under the direction of a licensed Dentist in accordance with applicable requirements.
3. Properly position patients and imaging equipment to obtain diagnostic-quality dental radiographs.
4. Process, label, document, and maintain radiographic images appropriately.
5. Complete and maintain required radiology competency documentation.

Infection Prevention & Sterilization

1. Follow all established infection prevention and control protocols to maintain a clean and safe dental environment.
2. Clean, disinfect, sterilize, package, and store instruments according to applicable standards and manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean and disinfect treatment rooms, dental equipment, work surfaces, and patient care areas between patients.
4. Follow OSHA requirements, UNHS infection prevention procedures, and applicable dental safety standards.
5. Utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work practices at all times.

Clinical Documentation

1. Assist with maintaining accurate and current patient clinical records.
2. Document medical histories, treatment information, progress notes, and other clinical data as directed.
3. Ensure documentation is complete and accurate to support continuity of care, billing, regulatory compliance, and legal requirements.
4. Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and UNHS policies.

Equipment & Inventory Management

1. Assist with maintaining dental and hygiene equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
2. Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of dental equipment as assigned.
3. Promptly report malfunctioning or damaged equipment to the appropriate supervisor.
4. Assist with monitoring supply levels and maintaining adequate inventory for hygiene operations.
5. Assist with ordering, stocking, organizing, and rotating supplies.
6. Monitor supplies for expiration dates and remove expired or damaged items in accordance with departmental procedures.

Team Collaboration & Workflow

1. Work closely with Dental Hygienists, Dentists, Dental Assistants, and front office personnel to support efficient patient care and smooth hygiene scheduling.
2. Communicate effectively regarding patient needs, scheduling concerns, equipment needs, supplies, and clinical workflow.
3. Support department productivity while maintaining patient safety and quality standards.
4. Provide professional, courteous, and patient-centered customer service.

Compliance & Professional Responsibilities

1. Follow all applicable federal, state, regulatory, HIPAA, OSHA, and UNHS requirements.
2. Maintain all required certifications, competencies, and training.
3. Participate in departmental training, meetings, quality improvement activities, and competency assessments.
4. Perform additional duties, projects, and assignments reasonably related to the position as directed by Dental leadership or UNHS Administration.

Optional Cross-Training Responsibilities – Dental Assistant

Employees who voluntarily cross-train as Dental Assistants and successfully complete required training and competency validation may perform the following additional duties:

1. Provide chairside assistance during dental procedures.
2. Prepare patients for treatment and set up instruments, materials, and treatment areas.
3. Apply topical anesthetic when permitted by applicable law, policy, and demonstrated competency.
4. Assist the Dentist during procedures by passing instruments, providing suction, preparing materials, and maintaining patient comfort.
5. Take preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations when appropriately trained and authorized.
6. Fabricate temporary crowns or restorations when permitted and competent to do so.
7. Perform dental laboratory duties such as pouring, trimming, and polishing study casts.
8. Fabricate custom impression trays from preliminary impressions.
9. Clean and polish removable dental appliances.
10. Use digital dental technology to scan, transmit, or print dental laboratory cases.
11. Provide postoperative instructions as directed or prescribed by the Dentist.

Cross-training responsibilities may only be performed after the employee has completed required training, demonstrated competency, and is authorized by Dental leadership.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Supports efficient hygiene schedule workflow.
• Maintains accurate and timely patient documentation.
• Maintains radiology certification and competency requirements.
• Consistently follows infection prevention and sterilization standards.
• Demonstrates safe use and maintenance of dental equipment.
• Maintains appropriate inventory and identifies expired or damaged supplies.
• Provides excellent patient education and customer service.
• Demonstrates effective communication and teamwork.
• Maintains compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, UNHS policies, and applicable dental requirements.
• Successfully completes assigned competencies and required training.

Critical Competencies & Required Competency Documents

Computer Systems & Technology

Ability to effectively use computer systems and learn software applications required for dental operations.

Documentation Required: No documentation required; competency determined on the job.

Communication

Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in English with patients, families, coworkers, and providers.

Documentation Required: No documentation required; competency determined on the job.

Dental Radiology

Ability to perform dental radiographs in accordance with applicable requirements and demonstrated competency.

Documentation Required: Current radiology certification and clinical competency documentation.

CPR

Ability to respond appropriately during medical emergencies within the employee's training.

Documentation Required: Current CPR certification.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

Required

• Must be a licensed Dental Hygienist in the State of Utah, or able to transfer licensure to Utah.
• Ability to communicate in Navajo is preferred, but not required.
• Must be able to work well with others
• Have an excellent work history and customer service mindset

Preferred

• Dental assisting certification.
• Previous dental assisting or dental hygiene support experience.
• Experience working in a dental or healthcare environment.

Core Competencies

Patient Care

Provides compassionate, respectful, and patient-centered assistance.

Infection Prevention

Consistently follows established cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and PPE requirements.

Customer Service

Provides clear information, addresses patient concerns professionally, and contributes to a positive patient experience.

Teamwork

Works cooperatively with Dental Hygienists, Dentists, Dental Assistants, front office staff, and other UNHS employees.

Attention to Detail

Maintains accurate clinical records, prepares treatment areas appropriately, and monitors equipment and supplies carefully.

Professionalism

Demonstrates reliability, accountability, confidentiality, respect, and professional conduct.

Safety

Follows established safety procedures, uses appropriate PPE, and reports hazards or concerns promptly.

Skills & Abilities

Language Skills

• Ability to fluently read, write, and speak English.
• Navajo language proficiency preferred.

Math Skills

• General mathematical skills required.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to follow instructions, prioritize responsibilities, exercise sound judgment, and creatively solve problems.

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to interact professionally and courteously with patients, families, coworkers, managers, administration, and Dental Providers.

Computer Skills

• General computer proficiency required.
• Ability to use Google Workspace and other standard office applications.
• Ability to learn and utilize the current electronic dental record and other software required by UNHS.

Working Conditions

• Primarily works within a dental clinical environment.
• Frequent standing, sitting, bending, reaching, and assisting with patient positioning.
• Regular exposure to dental instruments, equipment, disinfectants, blood, saliva, bodily fluids, and other healthcare-related hazards.
• Requires use of PPE and strict compliance with infection prevention and safety procedures.
• May require occasional extended hours or work at other UNHS Dental locations based on operational needs.

General Requirements

In addition to the duties listed above, the employee shall:

• Perform tasks, projects, and assignments reasonably related to the position as directed by Dental leadership, UNHS Management, or UNHS Administration.
• Maintain professional conduct consistent with the expectations of a healthcare and dental organization.
• Treat patients, coworkers, providers, leadership, and others with professionalism, dignity, courtesy, and respect.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of patient, employee, business, and organizational information.
• Comply with HIPAA, OSHA, infection prevention standards, applicable dental requirements, and UNHS policies and procedures.
• Work cooperatively and professionally with all UNHS employees and departments.
• Complete assigned duties accurately, diligently, and within established timeframes.
• Follow established UNHS communication and chain-of-command procedures.
• Check UNHS email and other assigned communication systems regularly and respond within appropriate timeframes.
• Refrain from releasing confidential, proprietary, protected, or restricted UNHS information through social media, other media, or to unauthorized individuals or organizations.
• Maintain all required certifications, competencies, and training.
• Support the mission, vision, and values of Utah Navajo Health System, Inc.

As a Tribal Organization the Utah Navajo Health System, Inc. (UNHS) treats patients with high risk and underlying chronic medical conditions. Therefore, UNHS requires its employees to show proof of immunization prior to their employment with UNHS or during their employment. Below is a list of immunizations/vaccinations required to be employed or to continue employment with UNHS.
The immunizations/vaccinations include but not limited to following:

• MMR (Measles Rubeola, Mumps, Rubella): Documentation of two MMR vaccines (OR) Documentation of MMR titers.
• Complete Hepatitis B vaccine series (3 doses), documented proof of titers indicating immunity, or a declination that may be signed upon arrival.
• Proof of up-to-date PPD skin testing, if previously negative (OR) Proof of positive PPD skin test with the most recent chest x-ray and treatment history.
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap).
• Varicella titers, history of varicella or varicella immunization series.
• Influenza vaccine for the current year.
• COVID-19 vaccine
• Any other vaccinations as requested.