Dental Hygienist– Part-Time

Dental Hygienist – Part-time

Position Summary

The Dental Hygienist is responsible for providing preventive dental care, periodontal therapy, patient education, and clinical support while promoting optimal oral health. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong clinical skills, excellent communication, and a commitment to delivering exceptional patient care in a professional and collaborative environment, alongside the Dental Director. This position also requires one to perform examinations of the oral cavity, head and neck for signs of oral disease or any abnormalities, taking x-rays, applying fluoride and sealants, and assisting the Dental Director as needed in the clinical setting.

Job Duties:

Preventive and Clinical Care

• Perform dental cleanings (prophylaxis) and periodontal maintenance procedures.
• Conduct comprehensive periodontal assessments and document findings.
• Perform scaling and root planning as indicated.
• Take and interpret dental radiographs within the scope of practice.
• Conduct oral cancer screenings and assess overall oral health conditions.
• Apply fluoride treatments, sealants, and other preventive therapies as appropriate.
• Administer local anesthesia when permitted by licensure and state regulations.
• Clean calculus deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums using dental instruments and cavitrons.
• Collaborate with Dental Director in treatment planning and care of patients.
• Work with Dental Director in providing excellent quality care.

Patient Education

• Educate patients regarding oral hygiene techniques, home care recommendations, and preventive practices.
• Explain treatment recommendations and encourage patient compliance with care plans.
• Promote overall oral health and wellness.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely patient records, charting, and treatment documentation.
• Review and update medical histories at each visit.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, CDC, and state regulatory requirements.
• Obtain records and reviews of patient medical histories. Charts conditions of decay, periodontal
• disease and any other disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.

Infection Control & Equipment Maintenance

• Follow sterilization and infection-control procedures for instruments and equipment.
• Maintain treatment rooms and clinical areas in a clean, organized, and safe conditions.
• Maintains dental equipment and sharpens and sterilizes dental instruments according to the
• Standard of Care.
• Assist dental team in recording Eyewash Station logs and spore/water testing.
• Monitor dental supplies and report equipment or supply needs.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain current professional licensure and continuing education requirements.
• Support practice goals related to patient satisfaction, clinical quality, and operational efficiency.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support patient care and office operations.

Education / Certifications:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from an accredited program.
• Current South Carolina Dental Hygienist license in good standing
• Current CPR/BLS certification
• Local anesthesia administration license is a must.

Qualifications

Clinical Skills

• Comprehensive periodontal assessment
• Prophylaxis and periodontal maintenance; Application of fluoride and sealants
• Scaling and root planing
• Dental radiography; Documentation and treatment planning support
• Oral cancer screening
• Knowledge of dental hygiene practices, periodontal disease management, and preventive Dentistry
• Proficiency in dental radiography and electronic dental records
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and OSHA regulations.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Patient education and preventive care counseling

Technical Skills

• Electronic dental records management
• Dental charting
• Infection prevention and sterilization protocols
• Knowledge of OSHA, CDC, and state regulatory requirements
• Use of dental hygiene instruments and equipment

Interpersonal Skills

• Exceptional customer service
• Strong communication and active listening skills
• Compassionate patient care
• Professionalism and emotional intelligence
• Ability to build trust and rapport with patients and team members.
• Time management and attention to detail

FLSA Status: Exempt, part time employee, 3 days per week

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful, professional office environment with moderate noise levels.
• Position requires team members to effectively use a computer at a workstation for long periods of time and to accommodate potentially frequent interruptions.
• Must be able to lift 15 – 25 pounds.

Schedule:

• Core business hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00am to 4:30pm with a lunch break from 12pm to 1pm. A flexible schedule may be considered.
• Part-time position 3 days per week…