Dental Hygienist J-47251

Job Description

Description

Closing Date: May 19, 2026

Position: Dental Hygienist

Salary: $49.02 - $63.72 hr 

Reports to: Dental Director

Location: Nespelem Health Clinic, Nespelem WA 

SUMMARY:

The Dental Hygienist delivers comprehensive oral hygiene and preventive dental services to the tribal community under the Colville Tribes' 638-operated dental program. The role includes clinical patient care, oral health education, and participation in community-based preventive initiatives. The incumbent works under the supervision of the Dental Director (or designee) and may occasionally travel to outreach sites. Focuses exclusively on tribal healthcare provision under Section 638, rather than federal GS classification. Integrates comprehensive clinical care with community education and outreach. Operates both within the dental clinic and through public, school-based, or community health programs. Enables independent preventive-care responsibilities per state and tribal regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide prophylaxis, scaling and root planning, fluoride treatments, and sealants.
• Conduct oral hygiene assessments, chart dental conditions, and document treatments.
• Educate individuals and groups about oral hygiene, nutrition, disease prevention, and proper dental care techniques.
• Participate in planning and implementing preventive oral health programs.
• Operate under clinical protocols in collaboration with the Dental Director or dentist.
• Maintain infection control and safety standards.
• Support administrative tasks such as supply ordering, data entry, and report generation.
• Travel to satellite clinics or outreach sites as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Associate’s degree in dental Hygiene from an accredited program (bachelor’s preferred).
• Licensed as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).
• Experience in tribal, community, or public health preferred.
• State dental hygiene license (unrestricted).
• CPR/BLS certification.
• Radiography certification (as required).
• Oral anatomy, preventive dentistry, periodontal hygiene techniques, and infection control.
• Proficient in-patient education, care planning, and motivating behavioral change.
• Familiarity with dental record systems and computer software.
• Ability to deliver oral health presentations and community education.
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for dental instruments.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Emotional maturity to manage patient anxieties and emergencies.
• Clinical environment with dental equipment; outreach to schools/community centers.
• Must comply with infection control and OSHA standards.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time
• Manual and finger dexterity to complete duties
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, and reach
• Ability to push and pull frequently
• Ability to comprehend complex issues
• Sufficient visual acuity to write, recognize printed materials, computer screen, and notice non-verbal behavior
• Speech and hearing ability to project voice to small and large audiences, carry on telephone conversations, hear and grasp verbal communications and equipment prompts
• Physical demands: lifting to 20 lbs., bending, extended sitting/standing.
• Flexible hours, including potential evenings or community events.
• Ability to drive in adverse weather conditions

Note: Pursuant to Tribal Policy, if this position is safety sensitive it is subject to pre-employment drug testing. In addition, this position is subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing.

 TRIBAL MEMBER AND INDIAN PREFERENCE WILL APPLY; PREFERENCE WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERANS WHO ARE MINIMALLY QUALIFIED.

 If required of this position, you must possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license and be eligible for the Tribes’ Vehicle Insurance. In addition, this position may be subject to pre-employment background clearances. If applicable, these clearances must be maintained throughout employment.

 INFORMATION: Jaleen Flowers, HR Generalist, Colville Tribal Health Care Authority, Human Resources Office, P.O. Box 150, Nespelem, WA 99155, (509)634.2436 [email protected]