Hygienist

Tend • Arlington, VA

3d • $63 - $94 • Onsite

About The Position

As a Hygienist at Tend, you will deliver preventive and periodontal care in a modern dental studio using Tend’s Team (Assisted) Hygiene model, with support from a dedicated dental assistant. The role includes treating a well-booked patient schedule and using the tools, systems, and support provided to deliver strong clinical outcomes and patient experiences. Depending on experience and interests, the role may focus on clinical hygiene care or include Lead Hygienist responsibilities, such as mentoring the team and contributing to studio clinical and business results.

Hygienists may work full-time, part-time, or PRN. Full-time roles are 32–40 hours per week and may include AM/PM and Saturday shifts; part-time roles are 2–3 days per week and may include AM/PM and Saturday shifts. Full-time traveling roles are also available for 32–40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, without Saturdays. Lead Hygienist roles are full-time only, 32–40 hours per week, and may include AM/PM and Saturday shifts.

Compensation includes a base hourly rate and monthly performance bonus tied to adjusted production and clinical and operational KPIs. The listed base pay range is $62–$74 USD per hour, with a bonus pay range of $1–$20 USD per hour equivalent. Actual earnings may vary by provider, market, schedule, productivity, and studio performance.

Requirements

• Degree from an accredited dental hygiene program.
• Current, active hygiene license in the state of application.
• Current Anesthesia/Nitrous license in applicable states.
• Current CPR/BLS certification.
• Comfort using digital charting and x-rays, intraoral cameras, and technology-driven care.
• For Lead Hygienists: proven experience in a lead role supporting other hygienists through training, mentoring, and coaching, plus additional years of clinical experience beyond the standard Hygienist requirement.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods while performing hygiene procedures; Leads must also be able to do so while coaching team members.
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills to handle instruments, perform scaling and polishing, and operate clinical equipment.
• Adequate vision, with or without correction, to read charts, assess oral conditions, interpret radiographs, and document findings.
• Ability to bend, reach, and maintain ergonomic positioning for patient care throughout the day.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move equipment, instrument trays, and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with patients, team members, and other healthcare professionals in person and via technology.

Responsibilities

• Deliver comprehensive preventive and periodontal care, including prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance, scaling and root planing, gingivitis scaling, oral cancer screenings, iTero scans, sealants, Zoom whitening, Perio Protect, Curodont, fluoride treatments, and patient education, in accordance with evidence-based clinical guidelines.
• Work with a dedicated dental assistant to optimize the schedule, manage sterilization and room turnover, and support patient care and documentation.
• Partner with dentists during hygiene exams to identify and recommend treatment plans based on patient needs.
• Drive hygiene production by maximizing chair time, recommending preventive care, and supporting same-day treatment opportunities.
• Use the Team (Assisted) Hygiene model to collaborate with dental assistants and provide efficient, supported, team-driven care.
• Build and maintain patient relationships through clear communication, trust-building, and personalized education.
• Collaborate with doctors, assistants, and operations leaders to ensure seamless patient care.
• Participate in continuing education, internal hygiene forums, and peer collaboration.
• For Lead Hygienists: train new hygienist hires and oversee onboarding and development of hygienists and hygiene assistants.
• For Lead Hygienists: mentor hygienists and hygiene assistants, provide constructive performance feedback, and support clinical growth and consistent hygiene standards.
• For Lead Hygienists: collaborate with dental assistants to improve studio-wide hygiene flow, sterilization protocols, and room turnover.
• For Lead Hygienists: partner with dentists on exams and treatment planning, and support comprehensive care and patient handoffs.
• For Lead Hygienists: drive hygiene production across the team, support same-day treatment acceptance, and monitor key performance metrics.
• For Lead Hygienists: lead hygiene team meetings and promote continuing education and development.
• For Lead Hygienists: lead implementation of the Team (Assisted) Hygiene model studio-wide and partner with Studio Managers and doctors on patient care, quality, and business objectives.
• For Lead Hygienists: champion clinical and operational initiatives and lead by example.

Benefits

• Dental assistant support for patient flow and preparation through the Assisted Hygiene model.
• Virtual and in-person continuing education and professional development, with additional leadership training for Leads.
• Malpractice insurance coverage.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus a Dental Wellness Program.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• 401(k) plan.
• Life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, legal support, and other support.
• Flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, and pre-tax transit options.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree