Registered Dental Hygienist

Registered Dental Hygienist

Matrix Providers is hiring a Registered Dental Hygienist to join our team of talented professionals who provide health care services to our Military Service Members and their families at the Joint Base Andrews Bolling, Andrews AFB, MD.

Employment Status: Full Time

Compensation: This is an hourly position, paid bi-weekly $57.30 per hour plus $5.42 H&W

Schedule: Monday through Friday, with starting times typically between 0700-1600. The Government reserves the right to adjust schedules to meet mission requirements.

Benefits: Competitive financial package with a comprehensive insurance package including health, dental, vision, and life coverage. Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays (Outlined in Handbook), 401(k) Plan

Requirements: The Registered Dental Hygienist must have and meet the following:

Degree/Education: Candidates must possess an associate degree or bachelor's degree in dental Hygiene. Must be a graduate of a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association (ADA).

Experience: Candidates shall have a minimum of twelve (12) months of specialized full-time clinical experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist within the preceding thirty-six (36) months following graduation.

Candidate Must be highly proficient in oral prophylaxis; preliminary periodontal examinations (including diagnostic tests and radiographs); oral health education; preparing treatment plans for plaque control; applying topical fluorides and desensitizing agents; and planning, conducting, and evaluating preventive dental health programs.

Certifications:

Basic Life Support: The HCW shall hold and maintain a current BLS certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC).

Radiography: Must possess a current certification in dental radiography

Local Anesthesia: The RDH must possess documented proof of advanced training and certification to administer local anesthesia, in accordance with the Local Anesthesia Administration by Dental Hygienists

Licensure: Candidates must possess a current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice as a Dental Hygienist in a State, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States. The candidate's license must be in a jurisdiction that permits the administration of local anesthesia by a dental hygienist, and the HCW must be fully compliant with all state-specific requirements for this expanded function

Job Summary:

The Contract Dental Hygienist shall perform a full range of services IAW with their specialty and function under the indirect or general supervision of a privileged Dental Treatment Facility (DTF) Dentist. Duties include, but are not limited to:

Provide comprehensive oral health and dental hygiene treatment to diverse patient groups to support DTF beneficiary dental readiness.

Complete and/or assist with periodic or initial examinations. Formulate and document dental hygiene diagnoses and treatment plans in collaboration with DTF Dental Clinic staff.

Examine the oral cavity, record conditions of teeth and surrounding tissues, and refer patients with abnormalities to the dentist.

Perform adult prophylaxis, supra/sub-gingival scaling, polishing, and the application of pit/fissure sealants.

Provide professional topical fluoride applications and desensitizing agents.

Clean and polish removable dental appliances worn by patients.

Provide oral health counseling, tissue indices tracking, and tobacco cessation counseling to support population health strategies.

Provide specialized treatment to include deep scaling, root planning, and sub-gingival curettage.

Administer topical anesthetics and/or local anesthesia by infiltration for pain control during deep tissue procedures (in accordance with state licensure/certification and DTF clinical privileges). (Note: Uncertified incumbent RDHs are restricted from performing this duty during their certification grace period).

Insert and remove temporary fillings, crowns, and bridges.

Assist in surgically related procedures: removing sutures, placing periodontal packs, performing gingival curettage, providing post-curettage instructions, and retracting oral tissues.

Assist DTF Periodontists with complex patient cases as required.

Maintain and accurately document medical/dental records in accordance with established DTF clinic procedures.

Compile statistical data and written reports regarding participation in preventive dentistry programs.

Actively participate in ongoing professional peer review processes and annual performance reviews, which may include chart audits and direct clinical observation by the Dental Executive Function.

Clinic Information:

Daily Workload & Flow: The paid workday is generally 07001600, with a one-hour lunch. Employees are encouraged to arrive early enough to change into scrubs, prepare their operatory, and be ready for the morning huddle at 0710. Patient-care hours are typically 07301530, with lunch generally scheduled from 11301230. Dental Hygienists typically see approximately six to seven patients per day. Common appointments include:

Annual and periodic dental examinations and prophylaxis

Periodontal maintenance

Scaling and root planing (SRP)

Periodontal maintenance and prophylaxis/exam appointments are generally scheduled for 6070 minutes, while SRP appointments are approximately 90 minutes. Hygienists are not double-booked and generally focus on one patient at a time. Each hygienist has their own operatory, with an X-ray unit shared between two rooms.

Culture & Team Environment: The clinic has a steady, professional, and generally peaceful work environment. Hygienists are not double-booked, allowing them to focus on one patient at a time. The team emphasizes staying on time and maintaining the patient schedule while recognizing that unexpected patient-care needs may occasionally affect the day's schedule.

Training Process: The training and onboarding period varies depending on the individual and how quickly the necessary systems and access are established. Factors such as familiarity with the computer system, CAC activation, and learning the clinic's patient-documentation processes may affect the timeline. It may take up to two months for a new team member to obtain access to all necessary systems and become fully independent in the role. New employees are encouraged to take notes, ask questions, and become familiar with the clinic's processes and systems during this period.

Additional Information: The clinic emphasizes teamwork, maintaining the patient schedule, and being receptive to learning. Hygienists should be comfortable asking questions and adapting to clinic processes and requirements as part of their onboarding. The patient population includes individuals requiring annual dental examinations and prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance, and scaling and root planing. Employees should also be prepared to learn the clinic's systems, documentation requirements, and established processes as part of their onboarding.

Matrix Providers is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.