POSITION SUMMARY:
The Dental Hygienist provides preventive oral healthcare services and patient education to support the overall health and well-being of patients served by Memphis Health Center.
This is a clinical, patient-facing role within a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) responsible for performing dental hygiene procedures, oral health assessments, preventive treatments, and patient education in accordance with accepted standards of dental practice and organizational policies.
The Dental Hygienist works collaboratively with dentists, dental assistants, and interdisciplinary healthcare team members to improve oral health outcomes, increase access to care, support continuity of care, and promote the organization’s mission of providing safe, high-quality, affordable healthcare to underserved populations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:
Perform comprehensive dental hygiene assessments, oral health screenings, periodontal screenings, and dental hygiene examinations for pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients as assigned.
Review and update patient medical and dental histories, including medications, allergies, current health concerns, and changes that may impact dental treatment.
Obtain and record vital signs and other patient information as required by clinic protocol.
Perform dental prophylaxis, scaling, root planing, debridement, and other dental hygiene procedures within the scope of licensure and organizational policy.
Conduct periodontal charting, assess gingival and periodontal conditions, and communicate findings to the supervising dentist for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Apply preventive treatments including fluoride varnish, sealants, desensitizing agents, and other approved preventive services in accordance with clinical guidelines.
Take, process, and evaluate dental radiographs in accordance with state regulations, safety standards, and organizational protocols.
Identify oral health concerns, dental disease, signs of infection, oral cancer risk factors, and other abnormal findings, and promptly communicate findings to the dentist.
Assist the dentist and dental team in developing individualized treatment plans that support preventive care, disease management, and improved oral health outcomes.
Provide patient education regarding oral hygiene techniques, nutrition, periodontal disease prevention, caries prevention, tobacco cessation, medication impacts on oral health, and post-treatment care instructions.
Promote patient engagement by explaining treatment recommendations, preventive care needs, and follow-up expectations in a clear, respectful, and culturally sensitive manner.
Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation in the Electronic Dental Record/Electronic Health Record system, including services provided, education delivered, clinical findings, and follow-up needs.
Support clinical quality measures, patient access goals, productivity expectations, and dental department performance standards established by Memphis Health Center.
Follow all infection control, sterilization, instrument processing, OSHA, CDC, HIPAA, and safety protocols. Maintain treatment rooms, instruments, dental equipment, and supplies in a clean, safe, and ready-to-use condition.
Prepare operatory areas before and after patient visits and ensure appropriate availability of instruments, supplies, PPE, and materials for scheduled procedures.
Collaborate with dentists, dental assistants, front office staff, clinical teams, and other departments to support patient flow, appointment readiness, care coordination, and continuity of care.
Participate in daily huddles, department meetings, quality improvement activities, chart audits, training sessions, and continuing education as assigned.
Participate in outreach, oral health education, school or community events, and population health activities as assigned to increase access to preventive dental services.
Support compliance with HRSA, FQHC, FTCA, UDS, and organizational documentation and reporting requirements as they relate to dental services.
Maintain current licensure, CPR/BLS certification, required training, and continuing education needed to perform dental hygiene services.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of dental operations, patient care, quality improvement, and organizational priorities.
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:
Graduate of an accredited Dental Hygiene program required.
Current, active, and unrestricted Tennessee Dental Hygienist license required.
Current CPR/BLS certification required and must be maintained throughout employment.
Local anesthesia certification preferred, if applicable to the scope of practice and organizational needs.
Radiology certification or demonstrated eligibility to perform dental radiographs in accordance with Tennessee requirements required, if applicable.
Minimum of one (2) year of dental hygiene experience preferred; experience in community health, public health dentistry, an FQHC, or an underserved care setting strongly preferred.
Experience working with pediatric, adult, geriatric, high-risk, medically complex, and underserved patient populations preferred.
Experience using Electronic Dental Records/Electronic Health Records preferred; eClinicalWorks or other dental/medical documentation system experience preferred.
Knowledge of OSHA, HIPAA, infection control, sterilization, documentation standards, and patient safety requirements required.
Strong clinical judgment, communication skills, organizational skills, and ability to manage patient flow and productivity expectations required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of dental hygiene principles, preventive dentistry, periodontal care, oral health education, and dental disease prevention.
Ability to perform dental hygiene procedures safely, efficiently, and within the scope of licensure.
Strong interpersonal and patient education skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse patient populations.
Ability to work collaboratively with dentists, dental assistants, clinical staff, front office staff, and interdisciplinary care team members.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect patient information in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policy.
Strong attention to detail, documentation accuracy, organization, and time management skills.
Commitment to quality care, service excellence, patient safety, and continuous improvement.
Ability to remain professional, calm, and respectful in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,000.00 - $99,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Dental Hygienist: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Dental Hygienist License (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
