Description
Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
Functional Title: Dental Hygienist II
Job Title: Dental Hygienist II
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Dental Clinical Svs
Posting Number: 14026
Closing Date: 03/05/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Salary Range: $6,800.00 - $8,304.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location: Rusk State Hospital
Job Location City: RUSK
Job Location Address: 805 N DICKINSON DR
Other Locations: Rusk
MOS Codes: 4Y0X1,68E,68Z,HM,HS
Brief Job Description:
Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people's lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.
Performs highly complex (senior level) dental hygienist work on patients at Texas State Hospitals. Performs professional cleaning, scaling, and polishing of teeth. Exposes, develops, and mounts both physical and digital dental X-rays. Evaluates and examines gums to help locate signs of periodontal disease. Applies preventative care treatments. Identifies and refers all abnormal conditions to licensed dentist. Accurately documents record of services rendered. Develops and teaches a dental health program, using medical history and other information to tailor an individualized dental hygiene program to each patient's needs. Prepares reports and answers questions as assigned and as appropriate to scope of practice. Collaborates with other members of the dental department for business purposes. Maintains inflection control standards. Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment. Performs other duties as assigned. Works under limited supervision of a licensed dentist, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift, and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.
Provides professional cleaning, scaling, and polishing of teeth according to Texas State Board of Dental Examiners standards. Works with persons who may have multiple physical, developmental, and behavioral disabilities which act as barriers to routine dental care. Adapts treatment methods to fit patients' positional needs as well as adapting techniques to accommodate the physical and emotional needs of the patient.
Evaluates and examines gums to help locate signs of periodontal disease. Applies preventive dental care treatment drugs to surface tissues, exposed surfaces of teeth, and pit and fissure sealants to teeth.
Identifies and refers all abnormal conditions to licensed dentist.
Develops and teaches a dental health program designed to prevent dental disease and improve the quality of life for persons served. During appointments, educates direct care staff with individuals regarding oral care, proper daily oral hygiene, and assisting with desensitization for the patients. Provide feedback to direct care staff to build on areas of strength and address areas of concern with each patient.
Evaluates clinical findings, medical history, and previous medical/dental records and integrates the information into a plan for excellent individualized dental hygiene program for patients such as recommending different oral care methods. Incorporates patients' strength and preferences into appointments and plans.
Documents record of services rendered accurately, timely, and without omission. Maintains records of services rendered within the electronic health record. Maintains any required word documents, excel spreadsheets, and/or other databases to support quality enhancement program initiatives and fulfill regulatory requirements.
Prepares reports of various dental treatments and other legislative needs when assigned. Attends individual meetings and other departmental meetings when assigned to provide dental data, experience, and ideas to help improve patients' dental outcomes. Responds to questions or concerns about patients' oral health.
Exposes, develops, and mounts both physical and digital dental X-rays.
Provides infection control by using sterilized instruments and applying standard precautions for all dental hygiene procedures. Communicates to ensure dental team is in alignment with standard precautions.
Collaborates with other members of the dental department for business purposes including organization of the instruments, appointment scheduling, treatments needed and performed, documentation of work performed, and identification of trends and patterns. Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.
Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of dental disease prevention techniques, of dental prophylaxis techniques and procedures, and of public health dental programs.
Advanced Skill in the use of dental tools and equipment.
Ability to clean and care for human teeth, to instruct patients and Direct Support Staff in the proper care of teeth and gums.
Ability to expose, develop, and mount X rays.
Knowledge of OSHA Blood Borne Pathogen Precautions, rules, and regulations related to body fluids and Biomedical Waste handling.
Ability to appropriately apply restraints to prevent unintentional injury to the patient or staff during dental procedures.
Knowledge and skill in the use of available adaptive aides which are used to provide dental care to persons with mental, physical, or behavioral challenges.
Knowledge of medical terminology and medical conditions which impact dental health, especially those commonly seen in state hospital facilities.
Knowledge and ability to identify abnormal dental conditions and make appropriate referrals to a licensed dentist for treatments beyond the scope of practice of a dental hygienist.
Knowledge of Microsoft office programs and/or a dental electronic health record.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Licensed as a Dental Hygienist by the State of Texas.
Initial Screening Criteria:
One (1) year of experience as a practicing dental hygienist in a dental office, health agency, hospital, or health-care facility is required.
Additional Information:
Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.
Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.
Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.
ADA Accommodations:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form
Telework Disclaimer:
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.
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