About the role
We are looking for a dependable hygienist to provide coverage on an as-needed basis. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys flexibility while delivering exceptional patient care. When needed, you'll step into a supportive environment with a full schedule, an experienced doctor team, and the tools and resources necessary to provide excellent clinical care.
What you will do
- Provide prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance, and scaling and root planing
- Complete full periodontal charting and assess periodontal health at every appropriate visit
- Take and review radiographs and intraoral images
- Educate patients on their oral health and explain the “why” behind recommended care
- Co-diagnose with the dentist and build treatment plans for periodontal and restorative care
- Present treatment plans chairside, explaining what the patient needs and why, in plain language
- Discuss fees, insurance estimates, and payment or financing options with patients, helping them say yes to care while the clinical conversation is still fresh
- Administer local anesthesia [where certified and permitted by state]
- Apply fluoride, sealants, and adjunctive therapies
- Make sure each patient leaves with their next recare visit scheduled
- Document accurately and completely in the patient record
- Maintain your operatory and follow OSHA and infection control standards
What we need from you
- Reliability. Regular, predictable, on-time attendance is an essential function of this job. When a hygienist is out, a full day of patients loses their care.
- Presence. You are engaged and focused on the patient in your chair.
- A good attitude. You stay positive and professional on busy days and take feedback well.
- Team first. You communicate openly with doctors, assistants, and the front desk, and you help the whole office succeed.
- Clinical ownership. You diagnose and treat periodontal disease by the standard of care, not by what is easiest.
- Patient connection. You build trust, explain clearly, and are comfortable recommending treatment. Patients accept care when it comes from the clinician they trust.
- Comfort with money conversations. You can talk about cost and financing clearly and confidently, without pressure and without handing it off.
- Professional presentation. We hold a high standard for personal hygiene, grooming, and clean scrubs every shift.
Qualifications
- Active state dental hygiene license in good standing
- Current CPR/BLS certification
- Local anesthesia certification [required / preferred]
- New graduates welcome [if applicable]
- Experience presenting treatment plans and discussing patient financing is a plus
- Experience with Denticon practice management software is a plus
Physical requirements
The following are essential to this role and must be met with or without reasonable accommodation:
- Sit for extended periods in a clinical operator position
- Bend, lean, and reach over patients repeatedly throughout the day
- Use both hands with fine motor control and sustained grip for scaling and instrumentation
- Perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements for the length of each appointment
- See clearly at close range, including small detail, depth, and color
- Hear and speak clearly to communicate with patients and the care team while masked
- Lift and carry supplies and equipment up to [25] pounds
- Wear required protective equipment for the full shift
- Work with exposure to blood, saliva, radiation, disinfectants, and dental materials, following safety protocols
- Maintain professional appearance and personal hygiene standards appropriate for close patient contact, including avoiding strong odors and fragrances