Dental Hygienist

Position Summary

Provide quality dental care and associated services to patients under the general supervision of a dentist using established dental hygiene procedures. Assist other staff in a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. Perform broad responsibilities for the clinic as well as for community dental health education activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care and dental services as trained, licensed, and assigned.
• Assess dental condition and needs of patients using approved screening procedures, including medical history review, dental charting, and periodontal charting.
• Evaluate overall oral health, examining the oral cavity for signs of periodontal disease, possible cancers, recessed or bleeding gums, and oral lesions.
• Complete all necessary radiographs and oral camera pictures during each appointment.
• Document dental/medical history, chief complaint, and all diagnostic data in the patient’s chart, including extra‑oral and intra‑oral inspections, periodontal and general charting.
• Document referrals to specialists and ensure follow‑up on results.
• Perform oral hygiene procedures in accordance with treatment plans prescribed by the attending dentist, including prophylaxis, periodontal scaling, root planning, debridement, supra‑ and subgingival scaling and curettage, fluoride treatments, and protective sealants.
• Assist with or initiate emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment.
• Make impressions for bleaching trays, study models, etc., when requested.
• Perform blood pressure monitoring at each appointment.
• Conduct dental health clinics for community groups to augment services of dentists.
• Educate patients in oral hygiene and dental care, including proper tooth brushing, flossing, nutrition, and the need for professional care.
• Help patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment.
• Maintain orderly appearance of dental/hygiene operatories and ensure instruments are sharpened at appropriate intervals.
• Oversee the patient recall system and coordinate with dental assistants to provide coverage during peak times or absences.
• Ensure adequate quantities of supplies are on hand and maintain proper infection control, cleaning, and sterilization of instruments.
• Provide dental care in a Mobile Dental Clinic setting as needed, traveling to schools, community centers, non‑profit organizations, and other underserved locations.
• Collaborate with community partners to increase access to dental care and deliver dental health education in mobile settings.
• Uphold the organization’s values and mission, represent the organization professionally, and comply with corporate policies and procedures.
• Complete continuing education to retain appropriate certifications and licensing.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of an accredited dental hygienist program.
• Current Registered Dental Hygienist license in Pennsylvania.
• Current CPR certification.
• License to administer local anesthesia (preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to think clearly, reorganize tasks as needed, and work independently.
• Strong prioritization, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with computer systems for scheduling, dental records, and digital x‑rays.
• Customer service experience, preferably in a medical or dental care setting.
• Experience managing difficult customer/patient situations.
• Significant knowledge of dental practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Experience providing direct patient services and using dental devices and equipment.

Benefits

• 100% employee premium coverage for UPMC Medical, United Concordia dental, STD, LTD, and life insurance.
• Voluntary VBA vision coverage (employee‑paid).
• Medical and Dependent Care FSA and HRA.
• 2 weeks of paid parental leave.
• 20 days (4 weeks) of PTO during the first two years of employment.
• 12 paid holidays.
• 401(k) plan with a 4% employer match.

Working Conditions

• Normal clinic environment with occasional overtime or extended work hours.
• Requires good verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Physical ability to stand, stoop, walk, bend, push, pull, and move freely throughout the region.
• Use of hands for handling dental instruments and equipment; ability to see and hear effectively.
• Potential exposure to blood‑borne pathogens (Category I or II tasks as applicable).
• Travel may be required to fulfill Metro Community Health Center’s mobile clinic needs.