Dental Hygienist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

The Dental Hygienist provides comprehensive preventive oral care to patients of all ages, including assessments, periodontal charting, oral cancer screenings, prophylaxis, scaling and root planing, debridement, and fluoride and sealant application. The role emphasizes patient education, digital radiography, accurate recordkeeping, and collaboration with dentists on treatment planning, while maintaining the highest standards of infection control. The ideal candidate is mission-driven and patient-centered, committed to improving access to care and supporting the growth of our hygiene program.

Benefits Offered

In addition to a base salary, employees may be eligible to receive, in accordance to our employee handbook and FTE status:

• Generous paid time off
• Birthday holiday and 7 paid federal holidays 
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• Retirement plan with matching opportunity
• Employee Assistance Program
• Reimbursement of all necessary licensure requirements
• Productivity incentive opportunity
• Competitive continuing education (CE) allowance to support ongoing professional growth
• No weekends or late evenings required 
• May be eligible for student loan repayment opportunities 
• Full-time or part-time availability 

Essential Functions

• Patient Assessment: Conduct oral health assessments for patients of all ages, obtain patient histories, complete periodontal charting, and perform oral cancer screenings. Perform prophylaxis, scaling and root planing, debridement, sealant placement, and fluoride and other cavity-prevention treatments.
• Patient Education: Instruct patients and families on proper oral hygiene techniques, including brushing, flossing, and use of dental aids, as well as provide dietary counseling and smoking cessation resources.
• Clinical Procedures: Take digital radiographs as prescribed by dentists and maintain accurate, up-to-date patient records, treatment plans, and progress notes using electronic dental records.
• Collaboration: Maintain a positive and professional demeanor while working closely with dentists and other oral health professionals to develop and implement treatment plans. Perform patient triage and initiate care as appropriate for walk-in patients.
• Infection Control: Adhere to strict infection control protocols, including sterilizing instruments and disinfecting treatment areas.
• Administrative Duties: May assist with managing supplies and inventory if needed, process insurance claims, attend departmental meetings and trainings, support other Hamilton locations as needed, and assist with training incoming team members.
• Scope of Practice: PHDHPs perform duties consistent with Pennsylvania Dental State Law relating to the PHDHP scope of practice. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Active license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Dental Hygienist or Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner (PHDHP).
• Certification: Current CPR certification (renewal available in-house and covered by Hamilton).
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to communicate courteously and effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Team Player: Demonstrates flexibility and a strong commitment to supporting and contributing to the growth of the program.
• Language Skills: Bilingual proficiency in Spanish, Nepali, French, or Arabic may be helpful.
• Mission-Driven: Committed to improving community oral health and passionate about serving underserved and diverse populations.
• Access & Collaboration: Dedicated to expanding patient access to care and collaborating with the dental team to enhance access, care quality, and program growth.
• Program Experience: Experience or interest in expanding medical-dental integration, assisted hygiene, and school-based oral health programs. 
• Preferred Qualification: PHDHP certification preferred, enabling independent practice within the scope of state regulations.

About Hamilton Health Center

Hamilton Health Center (Hamilton), established in 1969, is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) located in Harrisburg, PA. The center continues to grow by taking a holistic and comprehensive approach to patient-centered care. Our mission is to improve the health of Central Pennsylvania’s residents by delivering high-quality, respectful, and patient-centered health and related social services that promote access, treatment, education, and prevention, regardless of health, economic, or insurance status. Our vision is to be the premier community health clinic for the underinsured and uninsured — including medical, dental, social, and related services — and to become a healthcare provider of choice for residents of the Greater Harrisburg area. For over 50 years, we have remained committed to this mission. As part of our team, you will work alongside dedicated professionals who care deeply about the individuals we serve.

EOE