Dental Hygienist I

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Brief Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Community Health Services Program Manager, and with professional leadership from the Oral Health Improvement Program Unit Director, works as a team with the clinical guidance of the regional Dentist I to provide preventive oral health services (Smiles in Schools) to eligible populations in public health region 6/5S and public health region 7 (46 counties). Provides administrative, strategic planning, and coordinative services in the development and maintenance of an oral public health program within the respective public health regions.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

45% Preventive Dental Clinics

Assist with dental screenings, fluoride varnish clinics, sealant clinics and epidemiological activities. Assists with mobilization and de-mobilization of equipment, set up of equipment, cleaning of equipment. Provides placement of pit and fissure sealants and fluoride varnish under the direction and supervision of a licensed dentist. Provides written documentation for dentist at visit upon request. Assists with efficient patient flow by guiding children through the process. Provides instruction on proper dental care techniques.

15%Licensure

Responsible for completion of continuing education requirements for Dental Hygienist and CPR certification required for maintenance of professional licensure.

15% Oral Health Advocacy

Develop and promote advocacy for oral health at the local, regional and state levels. Assist in the organization of collaborative projects with various stakeholders, counting work with public school districts, local and regional health fairs, regional and state conferences, and other related activities.

Continue to work with school nurses to plan for future clinics. Present at several local school district nurse workshops.  Works to renew collaborations with dental hygiene schools and dental assistant schools post pandemic.

20% Administrative

Assist regional dentist in the operation of regional office activities, including retention of health records, preparation of reports, purchase of supplies, and maintenance of dental equipment. Responds to requests from local community regarding local dental services and provides appropriate information and/or referral. Finalize all data in Epi Info software. Participate in Central Office led audit of Epi Info submissions to ensure data accuracy, when requested.

5% Other Duties as Assigned

Employee must have a valid Class C Texas driver's license, or equivalent license from another state. Employee maintains an acceptable driving record that meets the standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and safely operates either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle to conduct sate business in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operation and Management & Procedures, and Texas motor vehicle, traffic and driving licensing law. Adheres to all agency policies and procedures; Completes all mandatory agency training. Participate in agency and regional projects, work groups and special assignments.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of local, state and federal laws related to public health.

Knowledge of public health

Knowledge of statistical analysis processes

Knowledge of program planning and implementation.

Knowledge of theories/processes for development of system and/or community health improvement plans.

Knowledge of theories/processes for capacity building.

Knowledge of maternal and child health.

Knowledge of population and community based public health work.

Knowledge of evidence based concepts.

Skilled in conducting community health needs assessments.

Skilled in facilitation of groups.

Skilled in utilizing statistical software and analyzing data

Skilled in educating/training groups and/or individuals.

Skilled creating and reviewing public health materials.

Skilled in program development and evaluation

Ability to devise solutions to problems.

Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures.

Ability to prepare reports.

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Ability to analyze and/or interpret basic health data/information and/or statistics.

Ability to train others.

Ability to relate to individuals of varying socioeconomic and cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Ability to work independently without close supervision.

Ability to prioritize and plan assignments, perform multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.

Ability to coordinate/support work related activities of a variety of individuals/groups and/or programs.

Ability to use spreadsheet and word-processing computer programs.

Ability to meet travel demands associated with the position.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be licensed as a dental hygienist by the State of Texas.

Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver license.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience in dental hygienist work.

Graduation from a recognized and accredited school or college of dentistry or dental hygiene approved by the State Board of Dental Examiners is generally preferred.

Additional Information

Position is headquartered in the Houston office. Position provides oral health services for DSHS Public Health Regions 6/5S & PHR 7 (46 counties). Requires travel to assigned rural counties.  Must meet immunization policy. Must maintain current certification in BLS. Must provide own transportation and must meet agency driving policy. Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. May require occasional overnight/evening/weekend shifts. Mileage reimbursed in accordance to state policy. Required to serve as essential personnel in disaster response activities within regional jurisdiction, to include alternate work hours.

Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. 

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form