Dental Hygienist (Bilingual)

About the Organization

CentroMed is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) providing healthcare for all populations. With multiple locations throughout San Antonio and the New Braunfels area, CentroMed has been dedicated to improving lives through high-quality, compassionate care for over 50 years. Founded in 1971, we offer full-service health and dental care to all individuals, regardless of income limitations, and strive to be the heart of our communities.

Mission: We improve lives through improving the well-being of families via high-quality, compassionate healthcare.

Core Values:

• Respect: We treat all persons with dignity and compassion.
• Integrity: We build trust through honesty, word, and deed.
• Excellence: We use best practices to deliver exceptional quality care.
• Affordability: We manage resources to provide affordable healthcare.
• Teamwork: We work together in the interest of patient care.

About the Role

We are searching for a Dental Hygienist to provide quality dental care and associated services to patients under the general supervision of a dentist. This role involves performing dental hygiene procedures, assisting with patient care and office duties, and contributing to community dental health education.

Responsibilities

• Improve the oral health of patients through the delivery of periodontal therapies and other dental hygiene-related services.
• Enhance clinic efficiency by performing expanded duties as allowable by law and as directed by the dentist.
• Ensure all patients have a positive experience and are treated with care and compassion.
• Maintain accurate and timely patient records in compliance with HIPAA and other regulations.
• Ensure all tasks related to patient care, administrative processes, and duties comply with regulatory and accreditation standards, as well as clinic policies.
• Develop favorable relationships with patients and provide education on oral hygiene, handling concerns with empathy.
• Establish positive working relationships with staff, including Customer Service Representatives, dental assistants, dentists, and related personnel.
• Uphold and represent CentroMed’s values and mission consistently and professionally.
• Complete continuing education to retain state licensure.
• Perform direct patient care, including:
  • Assessing dental conditions and needs using patient screening procedures (medical history review, dental charting, periodontal charting).
  • Evaluating overall oral health, including checking for periodontal disease, oral cancers, and other conditions.
  • Exposing and processing radiograph films.
  • Documenting dental history, chief complaints, observations, and patient reactions.
  • Following through with oral hygiene procedures as prescribed by the dentist, such as prophylaxis, periodontal scaling, root planning, debridement, fluoride treatments, and sealant application.
  • Assisting with or initiating emergency measures for adverse developments during treatment.
• Conduct dental health clinics for community groups to augment dentist services.
• Educate patients on proper oral hygiene, including tooth brushing, flossing, nutrition, and the need for professional care.
• Interact positively with a diverse, sometimes difficult, and demanding patient population.
• Provide age-appropriate care and demonstrate knowledge of patients' physical, psychosocial, educational, and safety needs.
• Maintain patient records and related administrative documentation.
• Utilize tools, systems, and technology for patient data collection, records management, and collections.
• Demonstrate knowledge of dental procedures, infection control, instrument sterilization, tray setup, and materials.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Graduate of an accredited Dental Hygiene Program.
• Board Certified with ability to perform front office duties.
• Demonstrated success in working independently, prioritization, and problem-solving.
• Proficiency in computer skills, including scheduling, dental records, and digital x-rays.
• Experience in customer service/patient services or working with the general public, preferably in a medical care facility.
• Ability to manage difficult patient situations.
• Significant knowledge of dental practices and procedures.
• Bilingual (Spanish and English) required.
• Physical ability to:
  • Move freely (bending, reaching, standing, stooping, walking, pushing, and pulling).
  • Use hands for fine motor tasks (finger, handle, feel).
  • Reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear.
  • Lift and push occasionally.
• Ability to work overtime or extended hours as needed.
• Must be able to travel independently to other locations.
• Must meet the essential functions and attendance requirements of the position.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
• Retirement Plans (403(B)) with company match contributions.
• Basic Life Insurance for employee, spouse, and children.
• Short- and Long-Term Disability.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Travel reimbursement.
• Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Accident Insurance (optional).
• 6 paid company holidays plus 2 floating holidays.
• Paid time off/vacation time.
• Career development opportunities.
• Benefits start after 30 days.

CentroMed offers a fun, energetic, and family-based environment with a collaborative culture focused on work-life balance, innovation, and teamwork.