The Registered Dental Hygienist is a licensed oral health professional responsible for providing comprehensive preventive care, periodontal therapy, and patient education. The RDH plays a critical role in identifying early signs of oral disease, supporting patient understanding, and collaborating with the dentist to promote long-term oral health. This position requires strong clinical judgment, excellent communication, and a patient-centered, compassionate approach.

Service

Providing compassionate, patient-first preventive care that supports comfort, trust, and long-term oral health.

• Create a welcoming, reassuring environment by building rapport and supporting patient comfort throughout hygiene appointments.
• Review medical history, discuss patient concerns, and explain procedures clearly to ensure understanding.
• Provide customized oral hygiene education, reinforcing preventive strategies and empowering patients to improve home care.
• Collaborate with the dentist and clinical team to ensure patients feel informed and supported at every step of their care.
• Demonstrate a high level of empathy, professionalism, and respect for patients of all backgrounds.

Mastery

Delivering excellent clinical hygiene care through precision, evidence-based practice, and a commitment to continual growth.

• Perform prophylaxis, periodontal charting, scaling and root planing, coronal polishing, and adjunctive therapies.
• Take and interpret radiographs following all state safety protocols and clinical guidelines.
• Conduct thorough oral health assessments including evaluation of gingival health, periodontal status, decay risk, and oral pathology.
• Maintain expertise in dental anatomy, periodontal therapy, infection control, and documentation of clinical findings.
• Stay current with continuing education to enhance clinical skills and ensure high-quality, evidence-based care.

Impact

Improving patients’ quality of life and supporting the practice through effective periodontal care, early detection, and preventive strategies.

• Identify early signs of periodontal disease, decay, and oral abnormalities and communicate findings promptly to the dentist.
• Provide tailored treatment recommendations that support long-term patient health and strengthen case acceptance.
• Contribute to strong patient retention through exceptional service, preventive guidance, and continuity of care.
• Support practice performance by maintaining efficient hygiene schedules and minimizing downtime.
• Enhance patient outcomes by reinforcing consistent home-care practices and preventive maintenance.

Leadership

Modeling professionalism, teamwork, and integrity while guiding patients and supporting clinical colleagues.

• Lead patients toward healthier lifestyles through education, motivation, and clear communication.
• Serve as a clinical resource for assistants and administrative staff regarding preventive care, radiographs, and periodontal protocols.
• Maintain professionalism, ethical decision-making, and regulatory compliance at all times.
• Participate in team huddles, interdepartmental communication, and collaborative treatment planning to support optimal patient care.
• Uphold OSHA, CDC, and state standards for infection control and safety.

Elevate

Enhancing the patient experience and practice excellence through innovation, education, and continuous improvement.

• Identify opportunities to improve hygiene systems, patient education methods, and preventive care workflows.
• Promote the integration of new technologies, materials, and evidence-based protocols that improve outcomes.
• Contribute to a positive, growth-focused environment that supports team success and patient satisfaction.
• Participate in continuing education, staff meetings, and training sessions to stay aligned with practice standards.
• Elevate clinical quality by consistently delivering precise, thorough, and compassionate hygiene care.

• Associate’s degree in Dental Hygiene required; bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Active state RDH license
• Current CPR/BLS certification.
• Certification in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide (state-dependent).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent clinical skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in dental software and EHR systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, or position for extended periods during clinical procedures.
• Manual dexterity for use of dental instruments and equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds as needed.