Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health·Amherst, Nova Scotia
The Public Health Dental Hygienist collaborates with community partners to improve oral health outcomes for children through school-based programs and policy advocacy. They assess community health needs and implement evidence-informed strategies to reduce health inequities.
11-Sep-26About the Opportunity Reporting to the Manager, Healthy Communities, the Public Health Dental Hygienist works collaboratively with partners across school, community, government, and health to improve oral health outcomes for children. As part of our work to advance Health Promoting Schools in Nova Scotia, this includes offering a fluoride varnish program to pre-primary and elementary-aged children in identified communities. The Public Health Dental Hygienist also works in collaboration with the Consultants (Public Policy & Social Action, Strategic Partnership & Engagement, and Health Equity) and the rest of the Healthy Communities Team to address local population health needs and to take action to improve population health and reduce health inequities. The Dental Hygienist is the lead on oral health initiatives and participates collaboratively in advocacy work as it relates to oral health. They use a health equity approach and work directly with key partners (e.g. school communities, childcare facilities, municipalities) to provide tangible oral health support to develop and implement oral health focused programs and policies. The Dental Hygienist, using evidence-informed strategies, seeks and advocates for policy and system change, with emphasis on optimizing oral health through community engagement, coalition building, volunteer development, and partnership development. They continually assess community oral health through both formal and informal means (e.g. community health profiles, Provincial Public Health Fluoride program, gathers local intelligence, seeks out experiences and stories). They recognize the conditions that impact oral health, recommend strategies and interventions to address, and work collaboratively to achieve positive oral health outcomes.About You We would love to hear from you if you have the following:
Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Bachelor's degree; Bachelor's in Dental Hygiene preferred Must be licensed and a member in good standing with, a provincial regulatory body (e.g. the College of Dental Hygienist of Nova Scotia) and must hold RDH (Registered Dental Hygienist) or DH (Dental Hygienist) designation; must maintain licensure throughout course of employment Experience in planning, development, implementation, and evaluation oral health-related programs, policies, services and initiatives Demonstrated proficiencies in the Core competencies for Public Health & LEADS Demonstrated success in building strategic partnerships, networks, coalitions, and collaborative working relationships with a variety of internal and external partners to support healthy communities (particularly oral health) work Demonstrates an understanding of population based approach Demonstrated ability to plan and be self-directed, including the ability to set clear and realistic goals, activities, timelines, deliverables and accountability for own/team function in conjunction with team members. Able to conduct assessments and analysis Demonstrated knowledge of volunteer recruitment, training and retention methods First Aid/CPR Certification Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred
Please ensure your resume is up to date and includes all relevant education, experience, training, and certifications.Hours
Permanent part-time position; 75 hours biweekly Dental Hygienist work 75 hours biweekly for an approximate ten-month period, aligning with the school calendar year.
Their salary is pro-rated to 0.83 FTE, paid over a twelve-month period, contributing to a period of leave during a pre-determined summer break in July and August Compensation and Benefits $32.55 - $39.91 hourly Successful candidates may be eligible for our benefits package which includes health, dental, travel, long-term disability, and life insurance coverage as well as a defined benefit pension plan.
What You'll Love About Nova Scotia Health Nova Scotia Health is more than the province's largest provider of health services; we're a team driven by excellence in health, healing and learning.
Across hospitals, health centres and community programs, our people deliver innovative, high-quality care that impacts lives across Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.
From vibrant city life to scenic coastal communities, Nova Scotia offers a lifestyle as rewarding as the work itself.
At Nova Scotia Health, you'll find meaningful career opportunities, supportive teams and the work-life balance to enjoy everything our beautiful province has to offer.
Join us and discover why so many people are choosing to call Nova Scotia home.
Once You've Applied Thank you for your interest in this position.
Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. This is a Healthcare bargaining unit position.
Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions.
Nova Scotia Health is committed to being a workforce that is free of discrimination, values diversity, and is representative, at all job levels, of the people we serve.
We encourage all qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, Persons of Colour, Foreign Nationals/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply and self-identify.
Candidates must hold a diploma in Dental Hygiene and a bachelor's degree, with a bachelor's in Dental Hygiene preferred. Applicants must be licensed and in good standing with a provincial regulatory body and hold RDH or DH designation.
Market context
Dental roles in Nova Scotia often draw candidates with strong patient-facing communication skills and an interest in healthcare. These positions can be competitive because prior dental or optometric assisting experience is often viewed as an asset, and benefits such as bonuses, vacation, sick days, wellness time, and free LASIK may help a posting stand out. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then compare them with the original description before applying.