Dental Hygienist - Limited License Accepted

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

About South Boston Community Health Center

South Boston Community Health Center (SBCHC) is a mission-driven, community-based health organization committed to providing high-quality, compassionate, and accessible care to individuals and families. We serve a diverse patient population and are dedicated to advancing health equity, collaboration, and excellence in care. Our employees play a vital role in supporting our mission and the communities we serve.

Position Summary

The Dental Hygienist plays a vital role in delivering high-quality oral health care services to patients of South Boston Community Health Center. This position is responsible for providing preventive dental care, supporting diagnosis and treatment planning, and promoting long-term oral health through patient education and clinical excellence. Working closely with dentists and the interdisciplinary care team, the Dental Hygienist ensures a safe, comfortable, and efficient patient experience while adhering to all clinical, regulatory, and organizational standards.

Responsibilities include performing direct patient care services such as dental cleanings, periodontal assessments, radiographs, and other preventive procedures; obtaining and documenting patient medical and dental histories; providing individualized oral health education and counseling; and supporting treatment planning. The Dental Hygienist is also responsible for maintaining accurate clinical documentation, following infection control and safety protocols, and performing dental assistant duties as needed. This role requires strong clinical expertise, attention to detail, and a commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to a diverse patient population in a fast-paced community health setting.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assess dental needs of patient, using screening procedures including medical history review, dental charting, and Perio charting. Takes vital signs as required.
• Delivers direct patient care according to procedures; performs cleaning, scaling, root planning, administration of local anesthetic, polishing, x-rays, application of sealants, fluorides, and other routine procedures.
• Provides chair-side assistance to dentist in the performance of special tests, procedures, and complex treatment.
• Makes impression of patient’s teeth for study casts.
• Develops and implements individualized dental care plans to patients.
• Performs patient education, discharge planning, and patient/family teaching under the supervision of a qualified dentist.
• Documents dental history of chief complaint; records and reports pertinent observations and patient’s reactions to dental staff as appropriate.
• Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during the treatment of patients.
• Analyzes records in terms of protocols and state and federal regulations. Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines.
• Involved in Center’s patient quality and safety practices. Participates in QI projects. Identifies problems and makes suggestions for improvements.
• Assists in the education and supervision of dental hygiene students, as outlined by clinical affiliation agreements.
• Evaluates patient schedule daily and works closely with the front desk (PSA’s) to make sure appointments are filled.
• Assists with infection control and sterilization and prepares patient treatment rooms.
• Performs all delegable tasks under the supervision of the dentist, as outlined by the Massachusetts Board of Dentistry.
• Assists with reception tasks as needed.
• Maintain inventory and stock of dental supplies. Place orders, when necessary, as directed by the Dental Director.
• Assumes other duties as required.

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in dental Hygiene from an accredited program
• Limited License or a Current Massachusetts Dental Hygienist license in good standing
• Certification in CPR/BLS required
• Strong knowledge of dental hygiene practices, anatomy, and infection control procedures
• Experience taking dental radiographs and performing clinical assessments
• Proficiency with dental practice management systems such as Dentrix or Eaglesoft
• Excellent communication and patient engagement skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented healthcare environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a community health center or public health setting
• Experience providing care to pediatric populations
• familiarity with diverse patient populations and culturally responsive care
• Bilingual skills preferred but not required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and clinical accuracy
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple patients and tasks efficiently
• Commitment to patient-centered and culturally sensitive care
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced clinical setting

Benefits & Perks

SBCHC offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being and work-life balance, which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off, holidays, and sick time.
• Retirement plan options.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Other benefits in accordance with employment status and union agreements.

Compliance & Employment Requirements

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and reference checks.
• Proof of COVID-19 and other required vaccinations may be required in accordance with SBCHC policy and applicable laws.
• Selected candidates must meet all licensing, certification, or credentialing requirements applicable to the role.

Equal Opportunity Statement

South Boston Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

SBCHC is dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities and creating an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and during employment.