Dental Hygienist

Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems•Saltville, VA

About The Position

Southwest Virginia Regional Dental Center, part of Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems (SVCHS), is seeking a dedicated Dental Hygienist to join our patient-centered dental team. This role supports high-quality clinical care, preventive education, and outstanding patient experience across our community-focused practice. Key Responsibilities Perform scaling, root planing, and clinical examinations under dentist direction; assist with diagnosis by charting caries, periodontal pockets, and abnormal conditions. Administer intraoral block/infiltration anesthesia or nitrous oxide (18+ years old) with required Board-approved training, exam, and current BLS/ACLS certification. Independently complete routine scaling, polishing, charting, and preventive hygiene services under general supervision. Deliver preventive education, home-care instruction, and nutrition counseling to support oral health. Take accurate dental radiographs; place cavity-preventive agents as prescribed. Document all procedures and maintain thorough, compliant patient records. Follow OSHA, Bloodborne Pathogen, and universal precautions; ensure treatment rooms and instruments meet sterilization/cleanliness standards. Take blood pressure/pulse readings; update medical and dental histories at each visit. Assist with equipment maintenance, hygiene supply management, and sterilization workflows. Participate in scheduling, patient communication, recall processes, and occasional front-office support. Support dental hygiene students during clinical training and collaborate in team meetings. Perform duties under remote supervision when applicable, including exams, x-rays, scaling/polishing, fluoride application, and required documentation.

Requirements

Licensed Dental Hygienist in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Certification to administer local anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide (or ability to obtain).
Current BLS or ACLS certification.
Strong commitment to patient care, safety, compliance, and teamwork.
Ability to work effectively under direct, general, or remote supervision per Virginia Board of Dentistry regulations.
At least 1 year of experience practicing dental hygiene required.

Responsibilities

Perform scaling, root planing, and clinical examinations under dentist direction
Assist with diagnosis by charting caries, periodontal pockets, and abnormal conditions
Administer intraoral block/infiltration anesthesia or nitrous oxide (18+ years old) with required Board-approved training, exam, and current BLS/ACLS certification
Independently complete routine scaling, polishing, charting, and preventive hygiene services under general supervision
Deliver preventive education, home-care instruction, and nutrition counseling to support oral health
Take accurate dental radiographs
Place cavity-preventive agents as prescribed
Document all procedures and maintain thorough, compliant patient records
Follow OSHA, Bloodborne Pathogen, and universal precautions
Ensure treatment rooms and instruments meet sterilization/cleanliness standards
Take blood pressure/pulse readings
Update medical and dental histories at each visit
Assist with equipment maintenance, hygiene supply management, and sterilization workflows
Participate in scheduling, patient communication, recall processes, and occasional front-office support
Support dental hygiene students during clinical training and collaborate in team meetings
Perform duties under remote supervision when applicable, including exams, x-rays, scaling/polishing, fluoride application, and required documentation.