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 $2 billion in state and federal funds, 7 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,200 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

Offers consultation, technical assistance and evaluation to local health departments regarding Oral Health grants requirements and management.
• Maintains close working relationships with local health departments and communities as assigned.
• Provides onsite quality assurance for grantees and other school based providers.
• Scans the environment for opportunities to provide consultation regarding state oral health programs within local communities.

Job Responsibilities (continued)

Maintains fluoride surveillance of community water systems in compliance with the mandatory water fluoridation statute.
• Compiles, analyzes and reports water system fluoridation status. This is achieved through cooperation with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and local health departments.

Promote on-going and comprehensive oral health programs for school children by providing consultation, initiating fluoride mouth rinse programs where indicated, supplying toothbrushes, mouth rinse and educational materials as adjuncts to oral health programs.
• Advising in such matters as oral health education, dental sealants, protective mouth guards, dental emergencies and to promote dental exams as noted in School Code 27-8.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years’ experience providing consultation and technical assistance regarding Oral Health grants.
• Two years’ experience with fluoride surveillance of community water systems.
• Two years’ experience promoting oral health programs for school children providing toothbrushes, mouth rinse and educational materials.
• Two years’ experience offering technical assistance to community based health service agencies and various entities.
• Two years experience participating in planning and promoting statewide oral health programs and initiatives.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties.
• Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.

*The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.