Lead Hygienist

About the role

At Tend, you’ll deliver top-tier preventive care, mentor and coach fellow hygienists and assistants, and collaborate with dentists and operations leaders to drive both clinical and business success.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Comfort with digital charting and x-rays, intraoral cameras, and technology-driven care.
• Adequate vision (with or without correction) to read charts, assess oral conditions, interpret radiographs, and document findings.
• Ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with patients, team members, and other healthcare professionals in person and via technology.
• Ability to perform the essential job duties listed, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Skills

• Builds Trust & Inspires Confidence – Earns confidence from patients and teammates by modeling honesty, authenticity, and clinical excellence.
• Learns Quickly – Continuously improves clinical skills and knowledge through ongoing education and training.
• 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.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate and monthly bonus based on production.
• Full coverage provided for malpractice insurance.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance — plus our own Dental Wellness Program.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and company holidays.
• 401(k) plan to help you grow your nest egg.
• Life & AD&D insurance, EAP, legal support, and more.
• 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.

Schedule

This position requires a full-time schedule (32–40 hours/week including AM/PM and Saturday shifts).