Dental Hygienist

Cedar Wellness Center is a Tribally owned clinic that treats a diverse population of patients, including Native and Non-Native people. We provide whole-person care while managing patient substance use disorders, primary care, mental health needs, and dental care. The dental hygienist is a contracted position that works with the rest of our dental team to deliver comprehensive dental care. We are building a team of dedicated and compassionate individuals who support patients in their journey toward recovery. We are currently seeking a Dental Hygienist to support our clinic in Tacoma, WA. This position reports to the Dental Director and offers a part-time contract role with an irregular and intermittent schedule. Work hours, days, and frequency are flexible and negotiable, starting at one day per month. Position Overview As a Dental Hygienist, you will provide routine cleanings—including scaling, polishing, and plaque removal—while assessing oral health and reporting findings to the dentist. You will be responsible for taking and developing X-rays, applying preventative treatments such as fluoride and sealants, and educating a diverse population of patients on proper hygiene techniques. Maintaining accurate records is essential as our program operates with a scientific approach to addiction medicine and is highly regulated by credentialing agencies. Indian Preference applies. Qualified Indian (American Indian or Alaskan Native) applicants will receive preference in accordance with 25 U.S.C. § 5323 and 25 U.S.C. § 472a. Minimum Requirements Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited program. Valid state license to practice as a Dental Hygienist. Strong knowledge of dental procedures, tools, and patient care standards. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively in a team environment. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Preferred Requirements Previous experience in a dental practice or clinic. Familiarity with dental software systems, especially Open Dental. BLS for healthcare providers certification. Required Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities Perform routine dental cleanings, including scaling, polishing, and plaque removal. Assess patients’ oral health and report findings to the dentist. Take and develop dental X-rays as needed. Apply preventative treatments such as fluoride, silver diamine fluoride, and sealants. Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and preventative care. Maintain accurate and detailed patient records. Ensure all dental instruments and equipment are properly sterilized. Follow infection control protocols and safety standards. Assist the dentist during procedures when required. Perform regular interaction with patients and dental, medical, and behavioral health staff; may require standing for extended periods. Other duties as assigned. $70 - $90 an hour Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to keyboard or type, handle materials used in performing the essential functions of the classification, and reach with hands and arms. The employee will be asked to perform repetitive behaviors (e.g., typing and data entry) and may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this classification include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities required by this classification include those permitting the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively in person, by telephone. The employee works in an office setting where the noise level is usually moderate and must analyze and evaluate situations and adopt effective courses of action. Why Work for Us? We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, opportunities for continuing education and professional advancement, and cross-training to meet the needs of patients. On-the-job training empowers team members, and we believe the excellence of the clinic and the professional development of our staff complement one another. Visit for more information. #J-18808-Ljbffr