Lead Hygienist

Lead Dental HygienistAs a Lead Dental Hygienist at Tend, you'll do more than deliver top-tier preventive care — you'll also set the standard for hygiene excellence in your studio. You'll model best practices for patient care, mentor and coach fellow hygienists and hygiene assistants, and collaborate with dentists and operations leaders to drive both clinical and business success. You'll still treat a well-booked schedule of patients in our Team (Assisted) Hygiene model, while also guiding protocols, training, and continuous improvement for the hygiene team. At Tend, we're committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive environment where both our patients and our teams feel respected, represented, and truly cared for. Our model is built for driven hygienist leaders: those who value autonomy, inspire others, and take pride in building a culture of high-performance care.We offer a competitive hourly rate and monthly bonus based on production with top earning Hygienists making up to $82/hr. You'll receive transparency and support to help you thrive — no surprises, just opportunity.What You'll DoDeliver comprehensive preventive and periodontal care — including prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance, scaling and root planing (SRP), gingivitis scaling, oral cancer screenings, iTero scans, sealants, Zoom whitening, Perio Protect, Curodont, fluoride treatments, and patient education — all in alignment with evidence-based clinical guidelinesProvide hands-on training for new hygienist hires and oversee the onboarding and development of hygienists and hygiene assistants to reinforce Tend's clinical standards, workflows, and patient care protocolsOffer ongoing mentorship to hygienists and hygiene assistants, supporting their clinical growth, confidence, and professional developmentProvide regular, constructive feedback to support performance improvement, reinforce expectations, and maintain consistent hygiene standards across the teamCollaborate with dental assistants to optimize studio-wide hygiene flow, sterilization protocols, and room turnover efficiencyPartner with dentists on exams and treatment planning, reinforcing comprehensive care and seamless handoffs for patientsProactively drive hygiene production across the team by identifying opportunities, supporting same-day treatment acceptance, and monitoring key performance metricsLead regular hygiene team meetings and champion continuing education and development opportunities for the hygiene teamLead and drive Tend's Team (Assisted) Hygiene model, ensuring hygienists and assistants work together effectively to maximize efficiency, elevate patient care, and maintain a high-performing clinical environmentPartner closely with studio managers and doctors to ensure the hygiene department is meeting patient care, quality, and business objectivesBuild strong, lasting relationships with patients through trust, education, and consistent care — setting the tone for the hygiene experience at TendChampion new clinical and operational initiatives within the hygiene team, leading by example and supporting the adoption of best practices across the studioWho You AreYou embody our Tend values and elevate them as a leader — setting the example for patients, teammates, and the hygiene team.Tend ValuesTend to Others – Foster exceptional patient experiences and a collaborative team cultureBe Brave Enough to Lead – Model integrity and accountability, and empower others to do the sameSavor the Ride – Celebrate wins, bring positivity, and keep the team motivated in a fast-paced environmentEmbrace Our Differences – Promote inclusivity and respect in every interaction, creating a safe space for patients and teammatesRooted in Growth – Lead with a growth mindset, offering feedback, mentorship, and opportunities for continuous learningRole-Based CompetenciesBuilds Trust & Inspires Confidence – Earns confidence from patients and teammates by modeling honesty, authenticity, and clinical excellenceLeads Collaboration – Unites roles and functions across the studio to elevate patient care and team performanceGuides with Adaptability – Adjusts leadership approach in real time, balancing multiple priorities while coaching others to do the sameWhat You HaveDegree from an accredited dental hygiene programCurrent, active hygiene license in the state you're applying forCurrent Anesthesia/Nitrous license in applicable stateCurrent CPR/BLS certificationPrior leadership, mentorship, or training experience in a hygiene setting preferredComfort with digital charting and x-rays, intraoral cameras, and technology-driven careAbility to model accountability, give feedback, and support teammates in their professional growthOpen to a full-time schedule (32–40 hours/week including AM/PM and Saturday shifts)Physical RequirementsThis position requires the ability to perform the essential job duties listed, with or without reasonable accommodation:Ability to sit and stand for extended periods while performing hygiene procedures and coaching team membersManual dexterity and fine motor skills to handle instruments, perform scaling and polishing, and operate clinical equipmentAdequate vision (with or without correction) to read charts, assess oral conditions, interpret radiographs, and document findingsAbility to bend, reach, and maintain ergonomic positioning for patient care throughout the dayOccasional lifting or movement of equipment, instrument trays, and supplies up to 25 poundsAbility to communicate effectively and compassionately with patients, team members, and other healthcare professionals in person and via technologyReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.What We OfferWe believe taking care of people starts with taking care of our own. Here's how we've got you covered at Tend:Assisted Hygiene – A dental assistant to support your patient flow and prepCE & Professional Development – Virtual and in-person learning opportunities, with added leadership training for LeadsMalpractice Insurance – Full coverage providedHealth Comes First – Medical, dental, and vision insurance — plus our own Dental Wellness ProgramTime to Recharge – Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and company holidays — because rest is productivePlan for the Future – 401(k) plan to help you grow your nest egg.Support, When You Need It – Life & AD&D insurance, EAP, legal support, and moreSmart Spending Options – FSAs, HSAs, and pre-tax transit benefitsTend is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We're committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. Tend does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination.Legal and Compliance Notice: Tend complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination, equal employment opportunity, pay transparency, and other employment-related requirements. Where specific state disclosures or postings are required by law, we provide this information as part of our hiring process or upon request.Agency and recruiter notice: Tend does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from staffing agencies or third-party recruiters. Any candidate submitted to Tend without a signed search agreement in place will not be considered a referred candidate, and Tend will not pay a fee for any resulting hire. If you're interested in partnering with our Talent team, please reach out to View email address on click.appcast.io before submitting candidates.Your privacy matters. To learn more about how we collect, use, and protect your information, please review our privacy policy here.