Lead Hygienist

As a Lead Dental Hygienist at Tend, you’ll do more than deliver top-tier preventive care — you’ll set the standard for hygiene excellence in your studio. You’ll model best practices for patient care, mentor and coach fellow hygienists and hygiene assistants, and collaborate with dentists and operations leaders to drive both clinical and business success. You’ll still treat a well-booked schedule of patients in our Team (Assisted) Hygiene model, while also guiding protocols, training, and continuous improvement for the hygiene team.

Responsibilities

• Deliver comprehensive preventive and periodontal care — including prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance, scaling and root planing (SRP), gingivitis scaling, oral cancer screenings, iTero scans, sealants, Zoom whitening, Perio Protect, Curodont, fluoride treatments, and patient education — all in alignment with evidence-based clinical guidelines
• Provide hands-on training for new hygienist hires and oversee the onboarding and development of hygienists and hygiene assistants to reinforce Tend’s clinical standards, workflows, and patient care protocols
• Offer ongoing mentorship to hygienists and hygiene assistants, supporting their clinical growth, confidence, and professional development
• Provide regular, constructive feedback to support performance improvement, reinforce expectations, and maintain consistent hygiene standards across the team
• Collaborate with dental assistants to optimize studio-wide hygiene flow, sterilization protocols, and room turnover efficiency
• Partner with dentists on exams and treatment planning, reinforcing comprehensive care and seamless handoffs for patients
• Proactively drive hygiene production across the team by identifying opportunities, supporting same-day treatment acceptance, and monitoring key performance metrics
• Lead regular hygiene team meetings and champion continuing education and development opportunities for the hygiene team
• Lead and drive Tend’s Team (Assisted) Hygiene model, ensuring hygienists and assistants work together effectively to maximize efficiency, elevate patient care, and maintain a high-performing clinical environment
• Partner closely with studio managers and doctors to ensure the hygiene department is meeting patient care, quality, and business objectives
• Build strong, lasting relationships with patients through trust, education, and consistent care — setting the tone for the hygiene experience at Tend
• Champion new clinical and operational initiatives within the hygiene team, leading by example and supporting the adoption of best practices across the studio

Requirements

• Degree from an accredited dental hygiene program
• Current, active hygiene license in the state you’re applying for
• Current Anesthesia/Nitrous license in applicable state
• Current CPR/BLS certification
• Prior leadership, mentorship, or training experience in a hygiene setting preferred
• Comfort with digital charting and x-rays, intraoral cameras, and technology-driven care
• Ability to model accountability, give feedback, and support teammates in their professional growth
• Open to a full-time schedule (32–40 hours/week including AM/PM and Saturday shifts)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods while performing hygiene procedures and coaching team members
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills to handle instruments, perform scaling and polishing, and operate clinical equipment
• Adequate vision (with or without correction) to read charts, assess oral conditions, interpret radiographs, and document findings
• Ability to bend, reach, and maintain ergonomic positioning for patient care throughout the day
• Occasional lifting or movement of equipment, instrument trays, and supplies up to 25 pounds
• Ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with patients, team members, and other healthcare professionals in person and via technology

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Skills

• Builds Trust & Inspires Confidence – Earns confidence from patients and teammates by modeling honesty, authenticity, and clinical excellence
• Leads Collaboration – Unites roles and functions across the studio to elevate patient care and team performance
• Guides with Adaptability – Adjusts leadership approach in real time, balancing multiple priorities while coaching others to do the same
• Tend to Others – Foster exceptional patient experiences and a collaborative team culture
• Be Brave Enough to Lead – Model integrity and accountability, and empower others to do the same
• Savor the Ride – Celebrate wins, bring positivity, and keep the team motivated in a fast-paced environment
• Embrace Our Differences – Promote inclusivity and respect in every interaction, creating a safe space for patients and teammates
• Rooted in Growth – Lead with a growth mindset, offering feedback, mentorship, and opportunities for continuous learning

Benefits

• Assisted Hygiene – A dental assistant to support your patient flow and prep
• CE & Professional Development – Virtual and in-person learning opportunities, with added leadership training for Leads
• Malpractice Insurance – Full coverage provided
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance — plus our own Dental Wellness Program
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and company holidays
• 401(k) plan
• Life & AD&D insurance, EAP, legal support, and more
• Smart Spending Options – FSAs, HSAs, and pre-tax transit benefits

Pay

The base pay range listed reflects the hourly wage for this position and is determined by a variety of factors, including experience, skills, qualifications, and market conditions.

Base Pay Range: $58 USD - $62 USD

Hygienists at Tend are eligible for a monthly performance bonus based on clinical and operational key performance indicators (KPIs). Bonus pay is distributed monthly but reflected in the listed range as an hourly equivalent. Bonus amounts vary by provider, market, and schedule, and actual earnings may differ depending on individual productivity and studio performance.

Bonus Pay Range: $1 USD - $20 USD

Schedule

Full-time schedule (32–40 hours/week including AM/PM and Saturday shifts).