Are you a passionate and dedicated Hygienist eager to make a meaningful difference in the field of dental hygiene?  The University of New Mexico School of Medicine is thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for you to step into the role of Special Needs Hygienist and become a treasured member of our esteemed faculty!

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals with special needs by providing them with quality dental care?  Are you a passionate and dedicated hygienist eager to make a meaningful difference in the field of dental hygiene? Look no further!  Our esteemed dental practice is seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join our team as a Special Needs Dental Hygienist.  The University of New Mexico is seeking faculty at the Open Rank level in the Open Track to join the Department of Dental Medicine, Division of Dental Services.  The Department of Dental Medicine has a primary mission of delivering education and a full spectrum of clinical care.  We believe that everyone deserves access to exceptional dental care, regardless of their abilities or challenges.  Our practice is committed to providing specialized dental services to individuals with special needs in a supportive and inclusive environment.

The Department of Dental Medicine at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque is looking for a full-time Dental Hygienist in Special Needs to provide and oversee direct dental diagnosis, treatment, procedures, and care for patients with Special Needs in a public health setting.  You will play a vital role in ensuring that individuals with special needs receive the dental care they deserve.  You will work closely with our team to deliver personalized and compassionate dental services tailored to the unique needs of each patient.  The ideal candidate should be comfortable providing care to special needs patients.  In addition, the ideal candidate will have experience working with and supervising dental residents.  This is an Open Rank position which affords applicants the opportunity to enter as an Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor and educator who is primarily engaged in clinical care with residents.  The successful applicant will join an interdisciplinary team of faculty providing the delivery of education, surgical services, clinical care, and research.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Perform routine cleanings, scaling, and polishing while ensuring comfort and reducing anxiety
• Deliver preventive and therapeutic dental care tailored to individuals with various physical, developmental, and cognitive disabilities.
• Teaching courses at all levels, graduate student thesis/project advising and research mentoring.
• Interacting with students in Dental Hygiene program as well as Dental Resident program and teaching courses and material assigned by director.
• Educate patients and caregivers on the importance of daily oral hygiene practices, as well as how to manage oral care routines at home for individuals with special needs.
• Participate in community outreach efforts to raise awareness about the importance of dental care for people with disabilities, offering educational materials or support to caregivers.
• Accurately document patient assessments, treatments provided, and progress in the patient’s medical records to ensure continuity of care.
• Provide feedback and recommendations to the clinical team regarding the patient's ongoing dental needs.

Opportunities:

• UNM is an R-1 Institution
• Beautiful and modern clinic
• Vibrant and culturally rich city of Albuquerque, which lies in the high desert ecosystem of central New Mexico
• Gorgeous sunsets and spacious mountain views
• World-renowned Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
• Albuquerque boasts easy access to skiing, golfing and countless hiking and biking trails
• Beautiful and modern dental clinic with attached Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC)
• Attend in the Main Hospital OR and ASC
• Opportunity to work collaboratively with other specialties in a hospital-based setting
• Great benefits (such as a medical, dental, vision and retirement plans)
• Beautiful living areas around Albuquerque within 20 min of the clinic
• Gorgeous sunsets and spacious mountain views

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master of Science degree in dental hygiene or related degree
• Current dental hygiene License in New Mexico, or license by hire date
• At least 1 year of experience with special needs patients

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Science degree in dental hygiene
• OSHA certified
• CPR/BLS certified
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success, as well as working with broadly diverse communities

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Applicants should submit a letter of intent, a current curriculum vitae and a 2-year activity log of completed dental procedures.  In the letter of intent, please include your vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, student success, and working with broadly diverse communities.  Three professional references will be requested when contacted for an interview. Angel Baca at (505) 485-8251 angjbaca@salud.unm.edu.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.