Dental Hygienist

Position Summary

The Dental Hygienist is a licensed healthcare professional responsible for delivering high-quality preventive dental care, including oral health assessments, patient education, and hygiene services. The hygienist works under the supervision of a dentist and collaborates with the dental team to promote overall oral health in a community health center setting.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Conduct oral health assessments, including charting, periodontal measurements, and screening for signs of disease or abnormalities.
• Perform dental cleanings, including scaling, root planning, and polishing teeth.
• Apply fluoride treatments, sealants, and other preventive materials.
• Take and develop dental radiographs as prescribed.
• Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, nutrition, and disease prevention.
• Document patient findings and procedures in the electronic health record (EHR) accurately and timely.
• Sterilize and maintain instruments and treatment rooms following OSHA and CDC infection control guidelines.
• Assist with managing inventory and ordering hygiene supplies as needed.
• Support dental outreach initiatives, including health fairs and community education.
• Comply with all state and federal laws, clinical policies, and infection control protocols.
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and quality improvement initiatives as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Licensure

• Graduate of an accredited Dental Hygiene program.
• Current licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) in the state of practice.
• Current CPR certification.

Experience

• Minimum of one year of clinical hygiene experience is preferred.
• Proficiency in using electronic health records and dental imaging systems.
• Strong communication and patient education skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Culturally sensitive and able to work effectively with diverse populations.

Physical Demands

• Ability to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Frequently sitting, standing, bending, and walking.
• Manual dexterity required for operating dental tools and computer systems.
• The ability to lift to 30 pounds occasionally.
• Adequate visual and auditory acuity to perform patient care and respond to needs.

Working Environment

• Work is performed in a dental clinical setting.
• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, and sharp instruments.
• Moderate noise levels are typical of dental office environments.
• May be required to work occasional evenings or weekends.

Disclaimer

The above is intended to describe the job functions, the general supplemental functions and the essential requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of supplemental duties, responsibilities, or non-essential requirements.

Medical Associates Plus is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class