Temporary Dental Hygienist

Job Description

Job Description

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