OPS DENTAL HYGIENIST - 64953386

Requisition No: 873205Agency: Department of HealthWorking Title: OPS DENTAL HYGIENIST - 64953386Position Number: 64953386Salary: Hourly Rate - $34.00 - $35.00Posting Closing Date: 04/10/2026This is a floating Dental Hygienist position based out of Lakeland, FL. This position will require travel throughout Polk County.Thank you for your interest in career opportunities with the Florida Department of Health in Polk County. If you are looking to establish a successful career in Public Health, you have come to the right place. Many of our innovative and successful health programs are recognized throughout Florida. We hope you decide to join our team! Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.The incumbent is part of a global public health organization and is expected to support the Florida Department of Health in Polk County in its mission to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts and its vision to be the healthiest state in the nation. The incumbent is expected to incorporate the agency values of Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Responsiveness, and Excellence in all aspects of their work.Your Specific ResponsibilitiesThe employee provides dental hygiene services to eligible clients at the Polk County Health Department dental clinics, conducts preventive/educational dental health programs at various community locations, and reports directly to the Dental Director under the supervision of the Clinic Dentist.Performs dental prophylaxis, scaling and root planing, exposes dental radiographs, instructs patients in preventive techniques, and applies dental sealants.Plans, develops, and conducts dental health education or prevention programs, including infection control and OSHA topics; presents in‐service training programs on dental health care practice for clinic and school; develops and evaluates educational materials and resources.Completes and maintains dental records of patients in accordance with County Health Department dental policies and state guidelines.Develops and maintains an effective and systematic patient recall system for all eligible patients.Attends staff meetings and performs related work as required.Complies with all Department of Health and Dental security and confidentiality rules and requirements.Provides interpreter duties for a large population of Spanish/Creole speaking clients if bilingual.Travels to all PCHD dental clinics to perform duties as required.Other duties assigned by supervisor.Required Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of methods and techniques of dental hygiene.Knowledge of agency policies and procedures.Knowledge of general office procedures and practices.Knowledge of basic arithmetic.Effective verbal and written communication skills.Problem solving skills.Computer software application skills.Coordination skills.Ability to perform clinical hygiene procedures.Ability to prepare and maintain dental records.Ability to provide chair‐side assistance, including cleaning and maintaining dental equipment and instruments.Ability to counsel and instruct patient and family on dental care and treatments.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.Ability to speak effectively and adapt lecture material for presentations to various audiences.Ability to supervise people.QualificationsMinimumThis occupation requires licensure as a Dental Hygienist in accordance with Chapter 466, Florida Statutes.Valid Florida Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.PreferredAble to communicate with patients in a language other than English without using an interpreter.Where You Will WorkLakeland, FL – Position will require travel throughout Polk County.The Benefits of Working for the State of FloridaWorking for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. As an OPS employee, the benefits below are available:State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (mandatory)Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements; consult with People First and/or the serving HR office)Workers' Compensation (mandatory, if needed)Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) (mandatory, if needed)Legal and Background InformationYour responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process. This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) for the background check. A successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety‐sensitive positions.Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov.If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System, please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re‐employed with the State of Florida.All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1‐877‐562‐7287). Notification should be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.The State of Florida supports a Drug‐Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug‐Free Workplace Act.Contact InformationIf there are any problems applying online, please call People First Staffing Administration: (877) 562‐7287.Service Center hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., ET. TTY users, call (866) 221‐0268.For assistance, call the People First Service Center at (877) 562‐7287 Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.#J-18808-Ljbffr