Hygienist

Tend • Arlington, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Tend is hiring Hygienists to provide preventive and periodontal care in a modern dental studio using its Team (Assisted) Hygiene model, with support from a dedicated dental assistant. Hygienists work with a well-booked patient schedule and collaborate with dentists and studio teams to deliver high-quality clinical care and patient experiences. Depending on experience and interests, the role may also include Lead Hygienist responsibilities, such as training and mentoring team members, improving studio-wide hygiene workflows, and supporting clinical and business performance.

Hygienists earn a base hourly rate plus a monthly bonus tied to adjusted production. Full-time roles are 32–40 hours per week; schedules may include morning, evening, and Saturday shifts. Part-time roles are 2–3 days per week and may also include morning, evening, and Saturday shifts. PRN work is available. Full-time traveling roles are also available for 32–40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with no Saturdays. Lead Hygienist positions are full-time only, at 32–40 hours per week, and may include morning, evening, and Saturday shifts.

The position requires the ability to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation. Physical activities include sitting and standing for extended periods, fine manual work with dental instruments, bending and reaching, and occasional lifting or moving of equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.

Requirements

• Degree from an accredited dental hygiene program.
• Current, active hygiene license in the state where the candidate is applying.
• Current Anesthesia/Nitrous license in the applicable state.
• Current CPR/BLS certification.
• Comfort using digital charting, x-rays, intraoral cameras, and technology-driven care.
• For Lead Hygienist roles: proven experience in a lead role supporting other hygienists through training, mentoring, and coaching, plus additional 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 during patient care.
• 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

• Provide 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 guidelines.
• Work with a dedicated dental assistant to manage patient flow, sterilization, room turnover, patient care, and documentation.
• Partner with dentists during hygiene exams to identify patient needs and recommend treatment plans.
• Support hygiene production by making effective use of chair time, recommending preventive care, and supporting same-day treatment opportunities.
• Build patient relationships through clear communication, trust, and personalized education.
• Collaborate with doctors, assistants, and operations leaders to provide seamless patient care.
• Participate in continuing education, internal hygiene forums, and peer collaboration.
• For Lead Hygienists: train new hygienists and oversee onboarding and development of hygienists and hygiene assistants.
• For Lead Hygienists: mentor team members, provide constructive feedback, and support their clinical growth and performance.
• For Lead Hygienists: improve studio-wide hygiene flow, sterilization protocols, and room turnover efficiency in collaboration with dental assistants.
• For Lead Hygienists: lead hygiene team meetings and promote continuing education and development.
• For Lead Hygienists: lead implementation of the Team (Assisted) Hygiene model across the studio.
• For Lead Hygienists: partner with Studio Managers and doctors to meet patient care, quality, and business objectives.
• For Lead Hygienists: champion clinical and operational initiatives and monitor team performance metrics.

Benefits

• Assisted hygiene support from a dental assistant.
• Virtual and in-person continuing education and professional development, including additional leadership training for Leads.
• Full 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, EAP, and legal support.
• FSAs, HSAs, and pre-tax transit options.
• Base hourly pay plus a monthly bonus tied to adjusted production.

What This Job Offers

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