Careers

Vancouver

Dental Hygienist

PHS Community Services Society is hiring a Dental Hygienist.

The Portland Community Dental Clinic (PCDC), a non-profit dental clinic, provides comprehensive oral health care to individuals residing or working in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, regardless of ability to pay.

The Dental Hygienist works as a member of an interdisciplinary team that provides high-quality, comprehensive dental care to our patients, working within IPAC and COVID-19 regulations. As a member of the PCDC team, the Dental Hygienist promotes a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment, ensuring excellent customer service and care to patients in need of both emergency and preventative dental services. This position may also supervise the work of students from accredited dental hygienist programs. The Dental Hygienist works in consultation with the attending dentist, and reports to the Senior Manager of Programs.

Why work here?

PCDC is unique in its commitment to engaging and providing dental care to a population of Canadians who are often unable to access dental care due to barriers of income and/or insurance coverage. PCDC has been a part of Vancouver’s DTES for over 20 years and aims to contribute to reducing the impact of marginalization and poverty through access to oral health.

We are able to offer an excellent benefits package even though the role is part-time.

You will be a valued member of the team, working with colleagues and patients who greatly respect your input.

The Portland Community Dental Clinic is located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, in easy walking distance of Downtown, Chinatown, Gastown and the Seawall. There are good transit links – we’re a couple of blocks from the Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain station.

Responsibilities

Job duties include (but are not limited to):

• Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates services for patient care.
• Performs all aspects of clinical preventative hygiene services including scaling, root planning, polishing, topical fluoride, and placing sealants.
• Provides a thorough assessment of the patient’s teeth, bone and periodontal tissues and documents any abnormalities or suspected conditions.
• Enters treatment notations into dental charts; evaluates the treatment and alters the plan as needed.
• Maintains communication with the dentist regarding pertinent perio-clinical findings.
• Arranges consultation with dentist when necessary (i.e., referrals to periodontist).
• Explains the recommended treatment to each patient, including cost, time involved, expected outcomes, benefits and possible side effects.
• Adjusts the treatment plan as required.
• Evaluates the success or failure of the treatment plan and adjusts as required.
• Educates patients on good oral hygiene techniques including preventative care strategies.
• Takes and processes X-rays, and completes dental impressions.
• Cleans and sterilizes dental instruments and patient care areas.
• Additional duties may include scheduling appointments, entering treatment codes, and performing related administrative work.

 Education and experience

• Dental Hygienist License.
• Registration with the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).
• Minimum one year’s experience.
• Knowledge of the Downtown Eastside is an asset (history, organizations, services, issues and politics).
• Must be creative, quick thinking, with good problem-solving abilities.
• Must have good communication skills.
• Must understand and have experience working within insurance coverage guidelines.
• Must have a proven ability to deal with crisis intervention and conflict resolution.
• Working knowledge of dental computer programs.

Terms of employment

Job Type: Permanent, Part-time.

Benefits: Extended healthcare, dental, vision care and a municipal pension.

Schedule:  Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 9 am to 5 pm (days can be discussed, though the Clinic is closed on Fridays).

This is a unionized position under Health Science Professionals (HSP).

Successful applicants will be required to complete a criminal records check.

PHS strives to create an inclusive and welcoming workplace that reflects the community we serve.  We seek a diversity of skills, knowledge, backgrounds, and professional and lived experience in our staff.  We particularly encourage applications from Indigenous individuals.

How to apply

Send your resume to jobs@phs.ca today! Please include a cover letter identifying the position title you are applying for, and the qualities and competencies that would make you a suitable candidate.

[Back to Careers.]