Hygiene Assistant

Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry•Selma, NC

About The Position

As a Hygiene Assistant, you’ll work alongside one or two hygienists to keep the schedule running smoothly. You’ll support patient preparation, charting, room turnover, and treatment-plan conversations so hygienists can focus on clinical care. This role is suited to a dental assistant who enjoys a fast-paced environment, patient interaction, and teamwork. The position includes greeting and preparing patients, taking radiographs and intraoral photos, recording periodontal charting and clinical notes, preparing and turning over operatories, sterilizing instruments, and supporting infection control. You’ll also provide oral hygiene instructions, discuss recommended treatment plans and financial options, help schedule treatment, and support the team in keeping the hygiene schedule on time. Duties must remain within the scope permitted for dental assistants under North Carolina regulations.

Requirements

Current CPR/BLS certification.
Completion of a North Carolina Board-approved radiology course, or ability to complete it before starting.
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 stand, sit, bend, and reach for extended periods throughout the workday.
Ability to work closely with patients while maintaining proper posture and positioning.
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
Fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination for clinical tasks.
Ability to see and hear well enough to perform clinical duties and communicate with patients and team members, with or without correction.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including masks, gloves, gowns, and eyewear, for extended periods.
Ability to work in a clinical setting with exposure to bodily fluids, dental materials, and low-level radiation while following safety protocols.
At least two supervisor references; prior employers will be contacted about attendance, dependability, and teamwork.
Satisfactory reference and background checks are required for an offer.

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.