Dental Hygienist

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

IHMS USA, Inc. provides medical services to some of the world’s most vulnerable populations, including individuals and families who are migrating, displaced, or affected by conflict, disaster, or disease. For more than 20 years, IHMS has delivered compassionate, high-quality healthcare services across the Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, IHMS USA focuses on supporting communities across the Western Hemisphere while drawing on the global experience and best practices developed by IHMS teams around the world.

Our work is driven by a commitment to delivering safe, effective, and patient-centered care in complex environments. To support this mission, IHMS has developed accredited and compliant management systems that help ensure quality care while tracking and coordinating every aspect of patient health services. These systems promote transparency, strengthen safeguarding practices, and provide near real-time visibility into clinical operations.

We understand that many of the individuals we serve are navigating difficult and uncertain circumstances. That’s why our care model includes access to comprehensive behavioral health services when needed, ensuring patients receive both medical and emotional support.

For healthcare professionals, working with IHMS means being part of a mission-driven team dedicated to making a meaningful impact. Our teams operate around the world and stand ready to provide compassionate care wherever it is needed most. For more information, please visit:

This position is contingent on contract award.

The Dental Hygienist delivers prescribed preventive and prophylactic dental hygiene care and supports access to oral health services within the assigned care setting. The role performs dental sick call assessment under the general supervision of a licensed dentist, participates in dental instrument processing, sterilization and monitoring procedures, clinic cleaning, infection control practices, and chairside assistance when necessary, and completes clerical and administrative tasks required to maintain compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and accreditation standards. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide direct dental hygiene care as prescribed to patients in accordance with applicable policies and accreditation standards. 
• Assess dental sick call patients under the general supervision of a licensed dentist. 
• Perform sterilization and disinfection procedures, including instrument processing and spore testing, in accordance with policy and Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. 
• Take digital and/or film dental radiographs as ordered, including bitewing, periapical, and panoramic x-rays. 
• Follow radiation safety protocols and applicable guidance of the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Council on Radiation Protection, and the American Dental Association to support patient and provider safety. 
• Perform and document daily sharps and instrument inventory at the beginning and end of each workday. 
• Complete electronic and paper recordkeeping functions in accordance with program policies and training requirements. 
• Assist the dentist with procedures, including operatory set up and clean up. 
• Collect, organize, and submit dental data to the Regional Dental Consultant in a timely manner. 
• Attend monthly dental teleconferences and required organizational and local duty station meetings. 
• Support the local medical unit and dental program through assigned duties such as equipment maintenance, supply and equipment acquisition, performance improvement activities, and training support. 
• Maintain awareness of and adhere to all applicable policies, procedures, directives, operational memoranda, and accreditation standards. 
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in all communications with coworkers and patients and support an inclusive and respectful work environment. 
• Complete required compliance education and all assigned training, competency testing, and client-specified requirements. 
• Travel periodically, when assigned, to support dental care at other sites. 
• Complete required organizational compliance education, including assigned requirements that are client-specified, for Joint Commission Healthcare Staffing Services certification or other regulatory bodies.

This list is non-exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake additional duties that are not specifically listed above. 

Required Licensure / Certification: 

• Must have and maintain an unrestricted and current license as a Dental Hygienist issued by the state of Texas or the ability to obtain one. 
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. 

Required Education and Experience: 

• Graduate from a Dental Hygienist program located in a State, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory that is accredited by the American Dental Association and the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) in the year of the applicant’s graduation.
• Must have 1-year recent work experience in the United States as a licensed practicing Dental Hygienist. 
• Licensure permitting administration of local anesthesia preferred. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of dental science such as oral anatomy, oral physiology and histology, the principles and technique of four handed dentistry, periodontics, and dental materials. 
• Must adhere to requirements for safety, infection control, quality assurance, clinical documentation, and data management. 
• Ability to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in diagnostic and treatment procedures. 
• Ability to communicate proficiently in English (verbal and written). 
• Ability to respond to and assist with medical emergencies. 
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural and multi-lingual environment. 
• Ability to adapt to sudden changes in schedules and flexibility in work requirements. 
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships in a multidisciplinary environment. 
• Ability to navigate in an electronic work environment including electronic health records, web-based training and communications. 
• Knowledge of, and moderate proficiency in, common Microsoft Office programs, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and SharePoint. 
• Knowledge of regulations on the confidentiality of medical records and information (HIPAA/Privacy Act) and applicable accreditation standards. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Required to walk unaided at a normal pace for up to 5 minutes and maintain balance. 
• Required to jog/fast walk up to ¼ mile. 
• Requires physical exertion such as lifting objects greater than 30 pounds. 
• Required to perform CPR/emergency care standing or kneeling. 
• Must have the ability to assist sick, injured, or aging patients or staff exiting the building (may require lifting, dragging, wheeling, or carrying someone who weighs significantly more than self). 
• Must be able to see, hear and smell with aids if necessary. 
• Must be able to lift, push, or carry 30 pounds. 
• Must perform the duties of my job in a stressful and often austere environment without physical limitations. 
• Sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time. 
• Average manual dexterity for computer operation. 
• Phone or computer use for extended periods of time. 

Other Special Qualifications: 

• Must maintain current/physical residency in the continental U.S. 
• Pass a medical examination conducted by a licensed physician within 30 days prior to initial assignment. 
• U.S. citizen that has resided in the U.S. for the last five years (unless abroad on official U.S. government duty). 
• Successfully engage in and complete a thorough Background Investigation. 
• Poses or have ability to obtain required security clearances. 
• Proficiency in Spanish is preferred. 

Privacy Disclaimer: Policy link

By clicking “I’m Interested” and submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the applicable Privacy Policy (available via the link above) and agree that IHMS USA, Inc., may collect, use, store, transfer, and otherwise process your personal information in accordance with that Privacy Policy for recruitment and hiring purposes.

Compensation Disclaimer:
Pay range is based on several factors and may vary in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. Final salary and offer will be determined by the applicant’s background, experience, skills, internal equity, and alignment with geographical market data.

Benefits Language (FTE roles):
Full-time positions are eligible for our comprehensive and competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Additional benefits include a 401k plan, paid time off, and an annual bonus. IHMS USA, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local minimum wage laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) Statement:
IHMS USA, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.