Dental Hygienist, Meridian Clinic (.75-1.0 FTE)

Purpose

The Dental Hygienist will develop and implement individualized dental care plans for patients, perform patient education, discharge planning, and patient/family teaching under the supervision of a qualified dentist. The role works in partnership and joint accountability with other team members to achieve Neighborcare's Mission, Guiding Principles, Service Commitments and Goals. The Dental Hygienist is responsible for the assessment and treatment of patients in a clinical setting under the direction of a dentist, documenting treatment, communicating with patients, and referring to partners as appropriate. New grads are encouraged to apply.

Primary Responsibilities

• Direct Patient Care: assess oral disease (periodontal disease, dental caries, oral pathology), make sound dental assessments, and communicate findings to patients or other providers.
• Provide high‑quality dental care in accordance with licensure requirements and NCH policies, including prophylaxis, scaling and root planing, sealants, fluoride application, and radiographs.
• Prep, stock, and prepare operatories; assist with sterilization of instruments.
• Integrate patient education into all treatment phases and partner with patients to achieve optimal oral health.
• Assist with or institute emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment.
• Obtain history and physical appropriate to dental needs/care.
• Stay abreast of new innovations, practice guidelines, and standards through continuing education and professional development.
• Practice universal precautions, infection control, and sterilization processes as defined by Neighborcare Health policies.
• Indirect Patient Care: review patient records and charts prior to care, consult with providers, and make referral recommendations.
• Document all patient visits, communications, referrals, and prescriptions accurately and timely in compliance with Neighborcare Health guidelines.
• Participate in developing and utilizing practice guidelines, disease registries, audits, risk management, and utilization management programs.
• Assist the Clinic Administrator and Site Dental Director in planning and evaluating effective clinic operations.
• Help meet clinic quality improvement and operational goals for an efficient, productive clinic.
• Collaborate with all clinical staff to embody Neighborcare Health’s Service Commitments.
• Attend and contribute at staff meetings, provider meetings, and in‑service trainings.
• May precept dental hygiene students or serve as a clinical shadowing mentor.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Required Skills

• Ability to work in a high‑pressure, time‑sensitive, and complex health‑care environment.
• Compliance with HIPAA/confidentiality policies and handling of sensitive patient and staff information.
• Ability to work with individuals of varying ethnicities, socio‑economic levels, cultures, and sexual orientations.
• Skill in conducting sensitive discussions with staff and patients.
• Ability to build relationships while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Ability to develop collaborative working relationships that foster a positive team environment.
• Proficiency with computers, email, and electronic medical records.
• Effective communication in person, via email, and on the phone.

Preferred Skills

• Prior experience as a Dental Hygienist.
• Bilingual ability preferred.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Completed an accredited Dental Hygiene program.
• Active Washington State Department of Health Dental Hygiene license.
• CPR/BLS Certification.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Retirement plan with contribution match.
• Life & AD&D, pet insurance.
• Employee assistance program and additional benefits.

Compensation

Target wage range: $51.85 per hour to $64.14 per hour. Final offers are based on skill set, experience, location, qualifications, work schedule, and other job‑related factors. $5,000 sign‑on bonus. Union: SEIU Healthcare 1199 NW.

About Neighborcare Health

Since 1968, Neighborcare Health has been removing barriers to health care for our neighbors. We believe everyone deserves a place to call their health‑care home, where a team of medical, dental, and mental health professionals work in collaboration with each patient to develop a personal health improvement plan. We are one of the largest providers of primary medical, dental, and behavioral health services in the Seattle area, serving low‑income and uninsured families and individuals, seniors on fixed incomes, immigrants, and people experiencing homelessness. Each year we care for nearly 60,000 patients at our nearly 30 non‑profit medical, dental, and school‑based clinics. We ask everyone to pay what they can, but no one is turned away due to inability to pay. Our clinics are located in neighborhoods where health disparities are greatest, and our care teams—who speak over 55 languages and dialects—are as diverse as our patients. No matter who you are, where you come from, or your insurance, income, or immigration status, you are welcome at Neighborcare Health.