Dental Hygienist (Site eligible for state/fed loan repayment programs)

Location Lents Practice (Southeast Portland) Position Type Full Time Schedule 4 10‑hour days (40 hours per week) Pay Range $54 - $63 per hour Incentives The position also receives an Oregon Health Plan incentive. Position Summary The Dental Hygienist works in collaboration with a dental team to provide dental care and education to patients. The Dental Hygienist utilizes interpersonal skills to motivate and partner with patients to maintain oral health and prevent disease. All duties and functions are performed within the parameters of the state’s Dental Practice Act, the Willamette Dental mission, evidence‑based treatment philosophy and core values. WD hygienists are encouraged to pursue education and gain the highest licensure and certification allowed by the state. Fully credentialed hygienists present the greatest opportunity to provide exceptional care and help define the future dental mid‑level provider. Essential Position Functions Apply the dental hygiene process of care (Assessment, Dental Hygiene Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation) as a framework for care delivery. Gather accurate patient data for systemic and oral comprehensive assessment. Review medical, dental and social history. Take and/or update blood pressure. Perform extra‑oral and intra‑oral examinations. Chart and record dental and periodontal findings. Conduct risk assessment through patient interviewing. Expose and evaluate diagnostic radiographs within treatment guidelines and ALARA guidelines. Document assessment findings in Electronic Dental Records (EDR) system. Communicate assessment findings with the doctor of record to establish a treatment plan. Communicate and reinforce the treatment plan to the patient; discuss additional costs and obtain patient consent. Render appropriate dental hygiene care as dictated by the treatment plan, including: Explanation of Procedure, Alternatives, Risks and Answers (PARQ) Prophy Scaling and polishing Scaling and root planning Oral health education and prognosis Nutritional counseling and prognosis Smoking cessation counseling and prognosis Local anesthesia or N2O when necessary Preventative and therapeutic fluoride, sealants and restorations per state scope of practice. Engage and educate the patient as a partner in care; recommend self‑care based on individual risks, conditions and capabilities. Continuously evaluate and counsel patients concerning oral health status and recommend modifications to the treatment plan. Recommend patient products per individual needs and symptoms. Perform infection control procedures including disinfection, sterilization and barrier techniques. Communicate effectively with dental teams and patients as an educator and advocate. Adhere to infection control policy and guidelines; utilize PPE and engineering controls appropriately. Assist coworkers, maintain operatory, and sharpen instruments. Strict adherence to Willamette Dental's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policy, including N95 respirators and other required PPE. Flexibility to travel to other WD locations within a reasonable range as needed. Reliable and predictable attendance is essential. Education and Experience Requires graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Licenses, Certifications and Registrations Current BLS certification required. Unrestricted dental hygiene license. Current Oregon dental hygiene license in good standing. Local anesthesia endorsement required. N2O permit required and kept current. Compensation Base pay is based on education, experience and other factors. The position is eligible for incentive pay in accordance with the Company’s plan. Company Benefits Willamette Dental offers medical, dental and vision insurance; tuition reimbursement; flexible spending accounts; 401(k) retirement plan with 5% match; accidental death and dismemberment insurance; life insurance; voluntary disability insurance; commuter benefits; two complimentary pairs of Fig scrubs (clinical roles); and employee assistance program. Paid Time Off (PTO): Eligible employees accrue a minimum of 120 PTO hours per employment year plus seven paid holidays annually. PTO combines vacation and sick leave and is more generous than Washington State’s Sick Leave Law. Part‑time employees working less than 40 hours accrue PTO pro‑rated. Physical Requirements The work is primarily performed while sitting or standing, requiring occasional walking, bending, stooping and carrying light items. Use of a computer and standard office equipment is required. Equal Opportunity Employer Willamette Dental is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, veteran status, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, or any other classification protected by applicable law. This job description is not an all‑inclusive list of duties and responsibilities but defines the position’s scope and function. The position may expose the incumbent to Protected Health Information (PHI) and will handle PHI consistently with HIPAA. #J-18808-Ljbffr