Dental Hygienist

Description

Position Summary

Provides preventive dental care, periodontal therapies, patient education, and oral health services to patients in both the dental clinic and Healthy Smiles in Motion (HSIM) mobile dental unit. Works under the direction of the Dental Director and collaborates with dentists, dental assistants, and support staff to ensure quality patient care. Supports and follows the vision, mission, goals, and objectives of Family Healthcare of Hagerstown.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Provide preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene services in accordance with Maryland practice regulations and organizational policies.
• Review medical and dental histories and perform preliminary patient assessments.
• Conduct oral examinations and identify conditions requiring further evaluation by the dentist.
• Perform dental prophylaxis, scaling, root planing, periodontal maintenance, fluoride treatments, sealants, and other procedures permitted by licensure.
• Obtain diagnostic dental radiographs and maintain compliance with radiation safety standards.
• Educate patients and families on oral hygiene, disease prevention, nutrition, and home care techniques.
• Document patient assessments, treatment provided, and recommendations accurately in the Electronic Dental Record (EDR).
• Assist in the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans.
• Participate in community outreach activities and provide services through the Healthy Smiles in Motion mobile dental unit.
• Maintain infection control, sterilization, and safety standards in accordance with CDC, OSHA, MOSH, ADA, and organizational guidelines.
• Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, equipment, and materials necessary for patient care.
• Support quality improvement initiatives and organizational goals.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
• Collaborate effectively with dentists, dental assistants, staff members, patients, and community partners.
• Participate in continuing education and professional development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Generous benefits package including accrued paid time off, seven (7) paid holidays, and one Anniversary Award after the first year of employment. Eligible employees may elect health, vision, and dental coverage (employee only, employee and child, employee and spouse, parent and child, or family plans). Additional benefits include company-paid Life and AD&D insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and a 403(b) retirement plan with company match. Voluntary benefits include cancer, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, and more.

Student Loan Repayment Opportunity

As an NHSC-approved site, eligible Dental Hygienists may qualify for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program, which can provide substantial assistance toward qualifying student loans in exchange for service at our location. This valuable benefit can help reduce educational debt while making a meaningful impact in the community.

To learn more about eligibility and the application process, visit the NHSC website or contact Human Resources.

Requirements

Position Qualifications

Education

• Graduate of an accredited Dental Hygiene program required.
• Associate degree in Dental Hygiene required; bachelor's degree preferred.

Experience

• Previous clinical dental hygiene experience preferred.
• Experience working with pediatric and underserved populations preferred.
• Experience with electronic dental records and dental practice management systems preferred.
• Ability to travel locally as needed to provide services through the Healthy Smiles in Motion mobile dental unit.

Licensure/Certifications

• Current license to practice Dental Hygiene in the State of Maryland required.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Certification to expose dental radiographs in accordance with Maryland regulations.

Other Requirements

• Working knowledge of dental hygiene procedures, infection prevention practices, and patient education techniques.
• Ability to operate dental equipment, digital radiography systems, ultrasonic instrumentation, and sterilization equipment.
• Commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.

Physical and Mental Effort

Physical:

Moderate physical effort is required. Position involves prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, and maintaining clinical positions while providing patient care. Requires excellent manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills to perform dental hygiene procedures safely and effectively. Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 20 pounds occasionally. Normal vision and hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, are required to perform clinical responsibilities and operate dental equipment.

Mental:

Frequent periods of concentration, attention to detail, and critical thinking are required while performing patient assessments, hygiene procedures, documentation, and treatment planning activities. Position requires sound clinical judgment, effective time management, and the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment. Frequent interaction with pediatric and adult patients requires strong communication, professionalism, and interpersonal skills.

Sensory:

Must be able to effectively communicate in spoken English and possess the ability to read, write, and comprehend English. Requires visual acuity sufficient to assess oral conditions, review records, operate equipment, and safely perform dental hygiene procedures.

Environmental and Working Conditions

Work is performed in a modern, well-equipped dental clinic and mobile dental unit environment. Daily interaction with patients, family members, dentists, providers, staff members, students, and community partners is required. Frequent use of dental instruments, radiographic equipment, computers, and other clinical technology is expected.

Potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, bodily fluids, ionizing radiation, nitrous oxide, sharp instruments, and hazardous chemicals used in patient care and sterilization processes may occur. Employees are required to utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhere to all infection control, radiation safety, OSHA, MOSH, CDC, and organizational safety standards.

The position may involve exposure to elevated noise levels from dental equipment and patient care activities, as well as travel to community sites through the Healthy Smiles in Motion mobile dental program. Adherence to patient confidentiality, workplace safety, and professional standards is required at all times.