Dental Hygienist

About Yakima Neighborhood Health Services

Established in 1975, Yakima Neighborhood Health Services (YNHS) is a non‑profit organization that provides behavioral health, family dentistry, internal medicine, women’s health, primary care, pediatrics, vision care, and pharmacy services. Its mission is to improve quality of life and equity in the community by delivering accessible, integrated health and social services, ending homelessness, and offering unique learning opportunities for health‑profession students.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting wage: $48‑$50 per hour.

• Employer‑provided medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement insurance.
• Ten paid holidays.
• Flexible paid leave with cash‑out options.
• Retention bonuses to reward commitment to the mission.

Ideal Candidate

• Licensed Registered Dental Hygienist in the State of Washington.
• Experience in public health dentistry and/or community health settings (preferred).
• Strong customer‑service skills.
• Knowledge of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow oral and written instructions.
• Convenient if bilingual in any of the following: English/Spanish, English/Laotian, English/Cambodian, English/Vietnamese, English/Russian, or ability to sign.
• Not sanctioned or excluded from participation in federal or state healthcare programs by any law‑enforcement, regulatory, or licensing agency.
• Passionate about serving the community and working collaboratively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform general dental hygienist services within the scope of the license, under supervision of the YNHS Dentist and/or Dental Director.
• Prepare equipment and assist dentist(s) during examinations and patient treatments.
• Monitor infection‑control techniques.
• Provide preventive dental services as prescribed by the treatment plan.
• Collaborate with YNHS public health and primary‑care staff to deliver oral‑health education and assessments to medical/public‑health patients.
• Assist dentist and receptionists in evaluating patients experiencing acute pain.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all services in patient charts and encounter forms.
• Support the Dental Services Coordinator in maintaining an accurate dental recall system.
• Assist with sterilization and disinfecting procedures as directed by the supervisor.
• Observe and report patient reactions to sedatives and anesthetics.
• Assist in inventory management and ordering of dental supplies.
• Maintain an organized, clean, efficient, and confidential work area.
• Represent YNHS at local meetings as requested.
• Perform related work and other tasks as assigned.