Hygiene Assistant

Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry•Cary, NC

About The Position

As a Hygiene Assistant, you’ll work side by side with one or two hygienists to keep the schedule running smoothly. You’ll handle patient preparation, charting, room turnover, and treatment plan conversations so hygienists can focus on clinical care. The role is suited to a dental assistant who enjoys a fast pace, patient interaction, and teamwork. The position includes greeting and seating patients, reviewing and updating medical histories, taking vital signs, radiographs, and intraoral photos, recording periodontal charting and clinical notes as dictated by the hygienist, preparing and turning over operatories, sterilizing instruments, and maintaining infection control standards. You’ll also provide oral hygiene instructions, discuss recommended treatment plans and financial options with patients, help schedule treatment, support case acceptance, and help keep the hygiene schedule on time. Other duties must remain within the scope permitted for dental assistants under North Carolina regulations. The role requires standing, sitting, bending, and reaching for extended periods; working closely with patients while maintaining appropriate posture and positioning; lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds; and using fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The clinical environment involves required personal protective equipment and exposure to bodily fluids, dental materials, and low-level radiation, with safety protocols to be followed. The hiring process includes a phone screen and an in-office working interview. The employer contacts prior employers for references, including questions about attendance, dependability, and teamwork. Applicants should be prepared to provide at least two supervisor references. Offers are contingent on satisfactory reference and background checks. New team members complete a 90-day introductory period.

Requirements

Completion of a North Carolina Board-approved radiology course, or ability to complete it before starting.
Current CPR/BLS certification.
Comfort discussing treatment and financial options with patients.
Strong communication skills and a warm, patient-first approach.
Ability to stay organized and adaptable in a fast-paced setting.
Ability to meet the listed physical requirements, including lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Dental assisting experience; new graduates are welcome to apply.
North Carolina Dental Assistant II credential.

Responsibilities

Greet and seat patients, review and update medical histories, and take vital signs.
Take radiographs and intraoral photos.
Record periodontal charting and clinical notes as dictated by the hygienist.
Prepare and turn over operatories, including cleaning, disinfecting, and setting up trays.
Sterilize instruments and maintain infection control standards.
Provide oral hygiene instructions to patients.
Review recommended treatment plans with patients, answer questions, and explain costs, insurance estimates, and patient financing options.
Help schedule recommended treatment and partner with the front office to support case acceptance.
Help keep the hygiene schedule on time and support the team during busy days.
Perform other duties within the scope permitted for dental assistants under North Carolina regulations.