Healthy Smiles Ontario - Dental Hygienist

CUPE 543.3

Band 9

Contract up to 18 months

Afternoon shift 12:00pm - 8:00pm

Position Summary

The Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) promotes oral health and disease prevention by providing screenings, preventive clinical services, and education in schools, community clinics, and Health Unit facilities. Serving children, families, oral health professionals, and community partners, the role helps identify oral health needs, deliver evidence‑informed care, and connect clients to appropriate dental services. The RDH contributes to public health programming by supporting assessments, delivering high‑quality preventive care, and reinforcing best practices in oral health promotion. Through collaborative partnerships and expert consultation, the role advances community‑wide oral health outcomes in alignment with the Ontario Public Health Standards.

Key Outcomes

• Improves community oral health by delivering accessible, evidence‑based screening, prevention, and education services.
• Identifies oral health needs and risks in priority populations and supports appropriate referrals and follow‑up.
• Ensures consistency and quality in oral health programming through expert consultation, documentation, and adherence to regulatory standards.
• Strengthens public health impact by collaborating with dentists, schools, community partners, and professional associations.
• Enhances program effectiveness by applying evidence, monitoring trends, and recommending program improvements.
• Promotes culturally responsive, ethical, and client‑centred oral health practices.

Core Responsibilities

• Conduct oral health screenings and assessments in schools, clinics, and community settings.
• Provide preventive services such as fluoride applications, scaling, and oral hygiene instruction.
• Educate clients, families, and groups on oral health practices, disease prevention, and healthy behaviours.
• Refer clients to dentists when needed and support follow‑up to ensure continuity of care.
• Document assessments, services, and referrals in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with dentists, community partners, and dental associations on oral health initiatives.
• Respond to inquiries from oral health providers regarding clinical issues and Ministry program reimbursement.
• Review oral health trends and community needs to inform programming and service planning.
• Contribute to program development by suggesting improvements based on evidence and client needs.
• Share knowledge and support learning among colleagues, students, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Deliver clear, culturally competent communication tailored to diverse clients and stakeholders.
• Uphold ethical, professional, and regulatory standards in all aspects of practice.

Qualifications

Required

• Diploma in Dental Hygiene from a recognized community college or university is required
• Minimum 2 years experience in an active Dental practice is required
• Current certification in BLS-HCP- Basic First Aid
• Current registration (CDHO) to practice in Ontario as a Registered Dental Hygienist
• Maintains professional competency under the Dental Hygiene Act and the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario

Preferred

• Dental Hygiene Self-Initiation standing is preferred
• Previous experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist in a Public Health Unit is preferred
• Fluency (oral and written) in French, Spanish, Arabic or other languages would be an asset

Other Requirements

• Knowledge of the Ontario Public Health Standards
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, collaboration tools, and emerging technologies, including AI-enabled toolsAbility to learn data management systems (i.e. OHISS: ABELdent Dental software)
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team
• Excellent interpersonal, writing, organizational, and communication skills are required
• Ability to plan, prioritize and organize workload

Union Status:

CUPE

Reports To:

Program Manager

Supervises:

n/a

Hours of Work:

8:30am – 4:30pm OR afternoon shift 12pm - 8pm; with some shift coverage required

Work Environment:

Office, hybrid may be offered, community

Travel:

Minimal – within city

Competencies:

Core Competencies for Public Health in Canada: Release 2.0

Equity and Inclusivity:

• Demonstrates inclusive, respectful practice when working with colleagues and the community
• Applies an equity lens to decisions, interactions, and service delivery
• Contributes to culturally safe environments, including engagement in required training

Wage Grid:

 CUPE Pay Grid 9 $38.48 - $44.60

All WECHU staff are required to show proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella and varicella through immunization records or blood work AND provide a two-step Mantoux tuberculin skin test or one-step Interferon Gamma Release Assay test PRIOR to employment start.

A Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) or a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) will be required as a condition of employment.

This position includes the option of hybrid work, whereby employees may be able to work remotely or from the office, based on departmental needs, job duties and personal work preferences. The successful candidate must reside within the province of Ontario and must be available to attend the office upon request.