Dental Hygienist

The Family Practice & Counseling Network (FPCN) is committed to providing comprehensive primary care, dental, and behavioral health services. We believe healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and strive to offer accessible, quality, and affordable care to all individuals. Our services are delivered with cultural competence, compassion, and a trauma-informed approach, focusing on the holistic care of the individual—mind, body, and spirit. FPCN’s mission is to provide integrated, person-centered care to individuals and families throughout their lifespan, promoting resiliency and well-being for patients, staff, and the community.

FPCN operates three comprehensive health centers, one convenient care center, and six school-based health centers across Philadelphia, serving over 15,000 patients annually. We are NCQA-certified as a Patient-Centered Medical Home and recognized by HRSA as a National Quality Leader in Behavioral Health.

Dental Hygienist Position  

FPCN-DH-ABBS-08052024

Location: Abbottsford-Falls Family Practice & Counseling  

4700 Wissahickon Ave., Building D  

Philadelphia, PA  

Position Summary

We are seeking a dedicated Dental Hygienist to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for assessing and delivering patient care using oral hygiene procedures aimed at improving patient health outcomes. You will work collaboratively within a trauma-informed care system, ensuring all patients receive high-quality care in a compassionate and professional environment.

Key Responsibilities:  

- Assess dental conditions through patient screenings, medical history reviews, and dental charting in the EHR.  

- Perform routine treatments, such as cleaning, polishing, x-rays, fluoride varnish applications, and sealants.  

- Develop and implement individualized dental care plans, provide patient education, and offer discharge planning under the supervision of a dentist.  

- Assist with the insurance preauthorization process for periodontal scaling and root planing, ensuring follow-up and scheduling for approved cases.  

- Provide chair-side assistance during complex treatments and special tests.  

- Ensure the Dental Department complies with infection control, exposure control, and safety policies.  

- Maintain the hygiene recall system and manage inventory and supplies.  

- Ensure that operatories are clean, stocked, and ready for patient care.  

- Document dental history, observations, and relevant patient information in the EHR.  

- Triage walk-in patients and initiate appropriate care.  

- Perform routine maintenance on dental equipment and operatory setups.  

Additional Duties (MDI Hygienist):

- Provide oral prophylaxis, scaling, fluoride treatments, and oral hygiene instruction.  

- Take radiographs for emergency patients and refer them for comprehensive dental evaluations.  

- Administer local anesthesia as needed under state licensure regulations.  

- Coordinate referrals to the Dental Department for evaluation and treatment.  

- Participate in the Dental Department’s Continuous Quality Improvement Program.

Qualifications:

- High School Diploma or GED  

- Graduation from a certified U.S. Dental Hygiene Program  

- Pennsylvania State Licensure as a Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner  

- Pennsylvania State Local Anesthesia Licensure  

- Proficiency in Electronic Dental Records (EDR) and CCD digital x-ray capture  

- TB and Hep B vaccinations required  

- COVID-19 vaccination required  

- Current CPR certification  

Preferred Qualifications:

- Interest and commitment to public health dentistry  

- Continuing education in dental public health  

- Ability to independently assess dental and periodontal health risks  

- Bilingual skills are a plus  

Working Conditions:  

- Exposure to loud noise and prolonged standing or sitting  

- Physical tasks including repetitive motions, reaching, lifting up to 20 pounds, and walking  

- Occasional evening or weekend hours required  

- Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids, radiation, and other clinical hazards  

- OSHA Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure Classification: Category I  

Physical Requirements:  

- Ability to perform tasks requiring manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and mobility  

- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform repetitive motions  

- Ability to lift light objects and perform tasks such as cleaning and setting up equipment  

Equal Employment Opportunity:

FPCN is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, or other legally protected statuses.

Visa Sponsorship:  

FPCN does not provide H1B Visa Sponsorship. All candidates must be U.S. citizens or authorized to work in the United States.

Commitment to Anti-Racist Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (AJEDI):

FPCN is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate:  

In alignment with the City of Philadelphia’s healthcare worker vaccine mandate, FPCN requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to starting employment.