Dental Hygienist

Location & Schedule

Mill Plain Practice. Full‑Time (30 hours per week) with 3‑10 hour shifts.

Position Summary

The Dental Hygienist works in collaboration with a dental team to provide dental care and education to patients. The role involves motivating and partnering with patients to maintain oral health wellness and prevent oral disease, performed within the state’s Dental Practice Act, Willamette Dental’s mission, evidence‑based treatment philosophy, and core values. Hygienists are encouraged to pursue advanced licensure and certification.

Essential Position Functions

• Apply the dental hygiene process of care (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation) as a framework for care delivery.
• Gather accurate patient data for systemic and oral comprehensive assessment, including review of medical, dental and social history, blood pressure measurement, extra‑oral and intra‑oral exams.
• Chart and record dental and periodontal findings; conduct risk assessments through patient interviewing.
• Expose and evaluate diagnostic radiographs within treatment guidelines and ALARA principles; document findings in the Electronic Dental Records (EDR) system.
• Communicate assessment findings with the doctor to establish a dental hygiene treatment plan and discuss it with the patient, including costs and consent.
• Render appropriate dental hygiene care as dictated by the treatment plan, including but not limited to: explanation of procedure, alternatives, risks (PARQ); prophylaxis, scaling and polishing; scaling and root planning; oral health education; nutritional counseling; smoking cessation counseling; administration of local anesthesia or nitrous oxide when necessary; preventive and therapeutic fluoride, sealants, and restorations as permitted by state scope of practice.
• Engage and educate patients as partners in care, recommending self‑care, products, and modifications to the treatment plan.
• Perform infection control procedures, including disinfection, sterilization, and appropriate barrier techniques; adhere to PPE policy, including N95 respirators as required.
• Communicate effectively with dental teams and patients as an educator and advocate.
• Assist coworkers, maintain operatory, and sharpen instruments.
• Travel to other Willamette Dental locations within a reasonable range as needed.
• Maintain reliable and predictable attendance.

Education and Experience

• Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program (Bachelor’s degree preferred).

Licenses, Certifications and Registrations

• Current dental hygiene license in good standing.
• Current BLS certification.
• Local anesthesia endorsement (required).
• N2O permit (required and kept current).

Compensation

Hourly hiring range: $54.00 – $63.00, based on factors such as education, knowledge, experience, location, and internal equity. Position is also eligible for incentive pay per the Company’s plan.

Benefits

• 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).
• Employee assistance program.
• Paid Time Off: minimum 120 PTO hours per employment year plus seven paid holidays; PTO accrues on a pro‑rated basis for part‑time employees.

Physical Requirements

The work is primarily performed while sitting and/or standing, with occasional walking, bending, stooping, and carrying light items such as papers or books. The incumbent uses a computer and standard office equipment.