Hygiene Assistant

Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry•Shallotte, 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, allowing hygienists to focus on clinical care. The role is suited to a dental assistant who enjoys a fast-paced environment, patient interaction, and teamwork. The position includes greeting and preparing patients, assisting with clinical documentation and imaging, maintaining clean and properly equipped operatories, and supporting patients as they consider recommended treatment. The assistant also helps keep the hygiene schedule on time and performs duties within the scope permitted for dental assistants under North Carolina regulations. The physical demands include standing, sitting, bending, and reaching for extended periods; working closely with patients; lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds; and using fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The role involves wearing personal protective equipment for extended periods and working in a clinical setting with exposure to bodily fluids, dental materials, and low-level radiation while following safety protocols. 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, and asks candidates 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 stand, sit, bend, and reach for extended periods; work closely with patients; and 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 for extended periods and follow safety protocols in a clinical setting.

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.