Temporary Dental Hygienist

Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry•Greenville, SC

About The Position

The Temporary Dental Hygienist provides coverage on an as-needed basis, delivering patient care in a supportive environment with a full schedule, an experienced doctor team, and the tools and resources needed for clinical care. The role includes preventive and periodontal services, patient education, radiographs and imaging, collaboration with dentists on diagnoses and treatment plans, chairside presentation of recommended care, and discussions about fees, insurance estimates, and payment or financing options. The hygienist also documents care, schedules recare visits, maintains the operatory, and follows OSHA and infection-control standards. The position requires reliability, focused and professional patient interactions, open communication and teamwork, clinical ownership of periodontal care, comfort discussing treatment and costs, and professional presentation. Physical requirements include sustained clinical positioning and hand use, repeated bending and reaching, close-range vision, clear communication while masked, lifting supplies and equipment up to 25 pounds, wearing protective equipment throughout the shift, and working safely around clinical exposures.

Requirements

Active state dental hygiene license in good standing.
Current CPR/BLS certification.
Reliability and regular, predictable, on-time attendance.
Engagement and focus on the patient.
Positive, professional attitude and ability to take feedback.
Open communication and a team-first approach.
Ability to diagnose and treat 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.
Professional hygiene, grooming, and clean scrubs each shift.
Ability to sit for extended periods in a clinical operator position.
Ability to bend, lean, and reach over patients repeatedly throughout the day.
Ability to use both hands with fine motor control and sustained grip for scaling and instrumentation.
Ability to perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements for the length of each appointment.
Close-range vision, including ability to see small detail, depth, and color.
Ability to hear and speak clearly while masked to communicate with patients and the care team.
Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment up to 25 pounds.
Ability to wear required protective equipment for the full shift.
Ability to work with exposure to blood, saliva, radiation, disinfectants, and dental materials while following safety protocols.
Ability to maintain professional appearance and personal hygiene appropriate for close patient contact, including avoiding strong odors and fragrances.

Nice To Haves

Local anesthesia certification (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 appropriate visits.
Take and review radiographs and intraoral images.
Educate patients about their oral health and explain the reasons for recommended care.
Co-diagnose with the dentist and develop treatment plans for periodontal and restorative care.
Present treatment plans chairside in plain language, explaining what the patient needs and why.
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, and punctual attendance.
Communicate openly with doctors, assistants, and the front desk and contribute to the success of the office.