Dental Hygienist

Northwest Michigan Health Services•Traverse City, MI

38d•$33 - $40•Onsite

About The Position

Northwest Michigan Health Services, Inc. (NMHSI) is seeking a compassionate and skilled Dental Hygienist to join their Traverse City dental team. The Dental Hygienist provides high-quality, patient-centered preventive dental care, patient education, and support for long-term oral health. This role serves a diverse patient population, including uninsured and underserved individuals and families, and works collaboratively within an integrated care team. NMHSI is a nonprofit community health center that has been committed to improving the health and wellness of communities across Northwest Michigan for over 50 years.

Requirements

Licensed as a Registered Dental Hygienist in Michigan
Current CPR certification and up-to-date CEUs
Knowledge of sterilization, OSHA, PPE, and infection control standards
Strong interpersonal communication skills and cultural sensitivity
Comfortable and compassionate working with low socio-economic status patients
Flexibility to work at other NMHSI locations, mobile dental clinics, or community events

Nice To Haves

Preferably trained in Nitrous Oxide administration and/or local anesthesia delivery
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

Provide preventive dental care including prophylaxis, fluoride application, periodontal therapy, oral hygiene instruction, nutrition and tobacco cessation counseling, SDF application, dental screening, and oral cancer screening
Maintain accurate patient records, including ICD-10 coding and compliance with UDS measures
Sanitize operatories and sterilize instruments according to OSHA standards
Wear PPE as required and uphold infection control protocols
Participate in quality improvement activities, staff in-services, and continuing education
Maintain dental instruments and equipment in proper working condition
Promote patient-centered medical home (PCMH) standards and advocate for public oral health
Incorporate cultural sensitivity into practice, recognizing how beliefs impact oral health and care access
Report errors, HIPAA violations, conflicts of interest, or ergonomic issues appropriately
Collaborate with medical and behavioral health teams to encourage total body health
Support NMHSI’s mission: “providing quality healthcare through a wide range of health services to the people in our communities, always serving with dignity and compassion”
Use chairside Quick Reference Guides to educate patients and promote oral health
Educate patients on treatment plans, costs, and appointment scheduling