Dental Hygienist- Open Until Filled in Omaha, Nebraska at Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

Summary:

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is a federally recognized Tribe with its ancestral homeland located in Niobrara, NE. The Tribe does not have a reservation in the classic definition; rather, the Ponca Restoration Act defined its jurisdiction as a ‘Service Delivery Area’ comprised of 15 counties throughout parts of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Within its Service Delivery Area, the Tribe offers a broad range of health, social, educational, and cultural services.

This position is under the direct supervision of the Supervisory Dentist. This position requires professional knowledge in the field of dental hygiene and aspects of the clinic dental program.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

Registered Dental Hygienist (Tier I)

1. This employee is responsible for performing advanced prophylactic and preventative dental procedures in the treatment of patients with a variety of oral health issues.
2. Administer local anesthesia under the direct supervision of the dentist.
3. Record medical and dental histories, review patient dietary habits, administer caries prevention agents, desensitizes root surfaces, root planning, sealant application, take and pour impressions, instruct patients in home care therapy along with proper diet, and management of the hygiene schedule
4. Plan, coordinate and conduct community based dental prevention programs.
5. Develop and present oral health lectures, demonstrations and visual displays to targeted populations.
6. Provides in-service training to staff; develop procedural instructions for clinic staff in the delivery of oral health care to patients. Uses the AAP grading and staging system.
7. Proctor dental hygiene students from local dental hygiene programs.
8. Regularly attends clinic and dental staff meetings to make improvements in the oral hygiene program.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.

Public Health Dental Hygienist – Fluoride Prescription Certification and/or Minor Denture Adjustments (Tier II)

1. This employee will have all the same essential responsibilities and duties as a Registered Dental Hygienist, but will also have the authority, with approval from the on-site dentist and with appropriate licensure, to:
   1. Perform preliminary charting and screening examinations
   2. Conduct oral health education, including workshops and in-service training on dental health
   3. Prescribe fluoride mouth rinses and products to patients with dental caries when indicated.
   4. Make minor denture adjustments for prosthodontic patients when indicated.

Expanded Scope Function Dental Hygienist (Tier II)

1. This employee will have all the same essential responsibilities and duties as a Registered Dental Hygienist, but will also have the authority, with approval from the on-site dentist and with appropriate licensure, to:
   1. Place interim therapeutic restorations.
   2. Prescribe fluoride mouth rinses and products to patients with dental caries when indicated
   3. Make minor denture adjustments for prosthodontic patients when indicated
   4. Monitor, administer and titrate nitrous oxide

Expanded Function Restorative I & II Dental Hygienist (Tier III)

1. This employee will have all the same essential responsibilities and duties as a Registered Dental Hygienist, but will also have the authority, with approval from the on-site dentist and with appropriate licensure, to:
   1. Place single surface restorations in a preparation from a PTN Licensed Dentist (Level I Permit)
   2. Place multiple surface restorations in a preparation from a PTN Licensed Dentist (Level II Permit)

Relationships and Authority:

The employee has supervision over dental hygiene students.

Working Environment and Physical Demands:

Physical requirements include carrying/lifting up to 5 pounds, frequently; up to 10 pounds, regularly; and up to 25 pounds, occasionally. Visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to drive an automobile and operate computer keyboard and basic office equipment; subject to carrying, lifting, twisting and reaching to perform essential job functions. Working conditions are primarily in an office environment with occasional travel to other locations.

This position is located within an outpatient dental clinical setting. Employee will work throughout the dental area, sitting, standing, bending and lifting boxes of dental supplies weighing 50lbs or less. Work is subject to emotionally upset patients, family members, personnel and visitors.

Qualifications:

Tier I Minimum:

1. Applicants must be currently licensed to practice as a dental hygienist and be licensed to administer local anesthetic in any state or territory of the United States and be in “good standing”.
2. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
3. Ability to work independently.
4. Knowledge of or willingness to learn Dentrix and additional dental software applications.
5. Valid driver’s license and be insurable.
6. Successfully pass drug and alcohol testing, motor vehicle, education, character, and criminal background checks.
7. Able and willing to travel.

Tier II Minimum Qualifications:

1. All Tier I Minimum Qualifications
2. Complete the appropriate State of Nebraska approved courses and receive the appropriate licensure or authorization or achieve reciprocity for:
   1. Fluoride product prescribing
   2. Minor denture adjustments

AND/OR

1. Interim therapeutic restorations
2. Fluoride product prescribing
3. Minor denture adjustments
4. Nitrous oxide administration

Tier III Minimum Qualifications

1. All Tier I and II Qualifications
2. Complete the appropriate State of Nebraska approved courses and receive the appropriate licensure or authorization or achieve reciprocity for:
   1. Level I restorative procedures
   2. Level II restorative procedures

Preferred:

1. One year of experience working with Native Americans or Native American organizations.
2. One year of experience as a professional dental hygienist in any state or US territory and in “good standing”.
3. Knowledge and understanding of Public Law 93-638: Indian Self Determination Act.

Preference will be given to Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members or members of a federally recognized tribe. However, all qualified individuals are eligible.

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is an at-will employer.

Tribal Council Approval: 06/08/2026