Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist – Children’s Oral Health Initiative (COHI)

Casual Part-time – Long-Term Employment Contract (1 Year)
(Possible extension pending funding)

Location: Deer Lake First Nation

Job Scope

Under the direction of the Health Director, the Dental Hygienist will be responsible to implement and deliver the Children’s Oral Health Initiative (COHI) program. COHI is a community-based initiative to prevent tooth decay and to promote improved oral health among First Nations children 0–7 years, their caregivers, and pregnant women living on-reserve or accessing on-reserve resources. As the oral health lead, you will work with other programs and personnel to promote health and wellness in the community.

The COHI Dental Hygienist is responsible for the fulfillment of the duties and responsibilities detailed in the job description. Accountability is exercised through the following:

Duties & Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will engage in onboarding training for dental hygienist providers conducted by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). Additionally, they will be required to attend annual virtual provider meetings hosted by ISC.
• Ensure the collection of appropriately completed permission/consent forms.
• Conduct oral health screenings to survey and determine the oral health status and preventive needs of each child. The following preventative services fall under the COHI program’s deliverables:
  • Fluoride varnish applications
  • Oral hygiene instruction
  • Nutritional guidance
  • SDF/IST/pit & fissure sealants as required
  • Oral health information sessions to children, pre and post-natal mothers, and the community
  • Referrals for services outside the scope of the COHI program
• Train the COHI Aide in fluoride application techniques.
• Educate parent/caregiver(s) in basic oral hygiene methods for themselves and children in their care, including the knee-to-knee technique.
• Liaise with local community-based, regional programs, agencies, and organizations to strengthen communication and programming. This includes but is not limited to the daycare, school, nursing stations, health centers, band administration, and First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB).
• The position requires reviewing, analyzing, collecting, safeguarding, and submitting data to the Regional Indigenous Services Canada team in accordance with the reporting requirements of the COHI program.
• Program management and administrative duties (i.e., completion of dental screening forms, daily service records, appointment log, and dental charts).
• Maintain client and family confidentiality.
• The successful candidate will be required to provide services in a variety of community settings, including the daycare, community centre, health centre, school, and, upon request, conduct home visits within the community.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for the operation, transportation, setup, maintenance, and safe use of portable dental equipment, including but not limited to portable chairs, lights, and mobile units with suction, as required.
• This position requires frequent lifting, carrying, and moving of equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Compensation will be provided in the form of an hourly rate or daily per diem, to be determined based on qualifications and experience.
• Reasonable travel expenses, including mileage and approved accommodations where applicable, will be reimbursed in accordance with KO’s policies and approved funding guidelines.

Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture and values.
• A solid understanding of and sensitivity to the experiences of First Nations and Indigenous peoples in Canada, and the impact of the legacy of Residential Schools and the Sixties Scoop upon them is essential.

Mandatory Requirements

• Current registration with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO) with authorization to self-initiate.
• Proof of current and valid liability insurance as set out the CDHO requirements.
• Must have a Class ‘G’ Ontario Driver’s License and ability to travel.
• Must have $1M auto insurance liability coverage.
• Annual proof of valid First Aid and Level C – CPR with AED training.
• Provide an acceptable Canadian Police Information Centre Check (CPIC) and Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) prior to initiation of program delivery.
• Able to provide an acceptable Driver’s Abstract, evidence of a valid Ontario Driver’s License, and show proof of insurance.

Asset Qualifications

• Preference will be given to those with prior experience working with First Nation/Indigenous organizations or communities, or previous community health experience or experience working in remote or isolated locations.
• Experience working with children, caregivers, and prenatal women.

Accountabilities

• The employee is required to have a good working knowledge of the CDHO standards of practice and to work in compliance with the infection prevention and control best practice standards, guidelines, and relevant regulations (e.g., CDHO IPAC guidelines, Public Health guidelines, Occupational Health & Safety Act, and other relevant regulations and legislation).
• Maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, community members, the public, and ISC Regional staff.

Accessibility Statement

Deer Lake First Nation is committed to providing a barrier-free work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in the recruitment process.

Application Information

Please submit your resume and cover letter along with three work-related references to:

Contact Person: Saumya Nair, Community Wellbeing Facilitator, KO
Address: 730 Syndicate Ave, Thunder Bay
Phone: 1-807-708-3880
Email:

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Compensation: Hourly rate or per diem – as per ISC's grid

Optional: Preference will be given to applicants who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.