ORAL HEALTH CONSULTANT

Agency Marketing Statement

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tasked with the oversight of communities within Illinois to achieve and maintain optimal health and safety. With an annual budget of over $600 million in state and federal funds, 7 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,100 employees, IDPH is equipped to fulfill its mission of protecting the health and wellness of the people of Illinois through the prevention, health promotion, regulation and control of disease and injury.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Public Health is seeking a highly motivated individual to consult, train and assist local health departments, communities, schools, professional groups, private/public partnerships and oral health care organizations for the development, implementation and evaluation of programs to improve the oral health of the public. Participates as an acting member in coalitions as assigned. Participates in surveys and other surveillance activities. Assists with special projects and grant development to aid in improving the state oral health program. Travels extensively throughout an assigned region, to central office as well as other areas of the state.

Job Responsibilities

1. Maintains fluoride surveillance of community water systems in compliance with the mandatory water fluoridation statute.
2. Offers consultation, technical assistance and evaluation to local health departments regarding Division of Oral Health grant requirements and management.
3. Promotes on-going and comprehensive oral health education programs for school children by providing consultation, initiating fluoride mouth rinse program where indicated, supplying toothbrushes, mouth rinse and educational materials as adjuncts to oral health programs, advising in such matters as dental sealants, protective mouth guards, dental emergencies and to promote dental exams as noted in School Code 27-8.
4. Offers assistance to health services areas, well child and WIC Clinics, migrant labor, day care facilities, long term care and facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities, Head Start Centers and social service facilities.
5. Conducts on-going demographic analysis to assist communities identify and analyze oral health professional manpower needs.
6. Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably withing the scope of those enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in public health or a related field.
2. Requires two years of dental hygiene experience in public health or a related field.
3. Requires possession of an Illinois license as a Registered Dental Hygienist.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Two years experience maintaining fluoride surveillance of community water systems in compliance with mandatory water fluoridation statues.
2. Two years experience offering consultation, technical assistance and evaluation to local health departments regarding Oral Health grant requirements.
3.Two years experience promoting on-going oral health education programs for school children.
4.Two years experience helping locate resources and oral health care services.
5. Two years experience conducting on-going demographic analysis to assist communities identify and analyze oral health manpower needs.

Conditions of Employment

1. Requires a valid driver’s license.

2. Requires ability to travel.