Temporary Dental Hygienist

Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry•Simpsonville, SC

About The Position

We are looking for a dependable hygienist to provide coverage on an as-needed basis. This temporary role offers flexibility while delivering exceptional patient care. When needed, the hygienist will step into a supportive environment with a full schedule, an experienced doctor team, and the tools and resources necessary to provide excellent clinical care. The hygienist provides preventive and periodontal services, evaluates periodontal health, takes and reviews radiographs and intraoral images, educates patients, and collaborates with the dentist on treatment plans. The role also includes presenting treatment plans, discussing costs and financing, maintaining accurate patient records, and following OSHA and infection control standards.

Requirements

Active state dental hygiene license in good standing.
Current CPR/BLS certification.
Reliability, including regular, predictable, on-time attendance.
Patient-focused engagement, a positive and professional attitude, and willingness to take feedback.
Team-first communication and collaboration.
Clinical ownership in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease according to the standard of care.
Ability to build patient trust, explain care clearly, and recommend treatment.
Comfort discussing costs and financing clearly and confidently without pressure.
Professional presentation, including appropriate personal hygiene, grooming, and clean scrubs each shift.
Ability to meet the role's physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation, including sustained clinical positioning, repeated bending and reaching, fine motor control, repetitive hand and arm movements, close-range vision, clear hearing and speech, lifting and carrying supplies up to 25 pounds, wearing protective equipment for the full shift, and working safely around clinical exposures.

Nice To Haves

Local anesthesia certification is listed as required or preferred.
Experience presenting treatment plans and discussing patient financing.
Experience with Denticon practice management software.

Responsibilities

Provide prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance, and scaling and root planing.
Complete full periodontal charting and assess periodontal health at every appropriate visit.
Take and review radiographs and intraoral images.
Educate patients about their oral health and explain the reasons behind recommended care.
Co-diagnose with the dentist and build treatment plans for periodontal and restorative care.
Present treatment plans chairside, explaining patient needs and rationale in plain language.
Discuss fees, insurance estimates, and payment or financing options with patients.
Administer local anesthesia where certified and permitted by state.
Apply fluoride, sealants, and adjunctive therapies.
Ensure each patient leaves with their next recare visit scheduled.
Document accurately and completely in the patient record.
Maintain the operatory and follow OSHA and infection control standards.
Maintain reliable, predictable, on-time attendance and communicate openly with doctors, assistants, and the front desk.