Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)

Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems • Saltville, VA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Southwest Virginia Regional Dental Center, part of Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems (SVCHS), is seeking a compassionate and dependable Dental Hygienist to join their dental care team. As an RDH at SVCHS, you will be an important part of an integrated healthcare organization committed to improving access to high-quality care throughout Southwest Virginia. You will work alongside dentists and other healthcare professionals in a collaborative, patient-centered environment while helping patients achieve better oral and overall health. The role involves providing preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene services while educating and supporting patients in achieving optimal oral health.

Requirements

• Current Dental Hygienist license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Current BLS or ACLS certification.
• Ability to provide dental hygiene services consistent with Virginia Board of Dentistry requirements.
• Strong clinical, communication, documentation, and patient-education skills.
• Commitment to patient safety, infection prevention, quality care, and teamwork.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of dental hygiene experience.
• Certification or authorization to administer local anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide, or willingness and ability to obtain applicable credentials.
• Experience working with diverse patient populations or in a community health, public health, or safety-net healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine dental hygiene services, including scaling, polishing, periodontal charting, root planing, and preventive care within the scope of Virginia law.
• Conduct clinical assessments and document caries, periodontal pockets, and other abnormal oral conditions to assist the dentist with diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Take accurate dental radiographs (X-rays) and apply cavity-preventive agents as prescribed.
• Provide individualized oral hygiene education, home-care instruction, preventive education, and nutrition counseling.
• Review and update patient medical and dental histories and obtain blood pressure and pulse readings as appropriate.
• Administer local anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide when appropriately trained, certified, and authorized under Virginia requirements.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation in the patient's dental record.
• Follow infection prevention, sterilization, OSHA, Bloodborne Pathogen, and universal precaution requirements.
• Maintain clean, safe, organized, and patient-ready treatment areas.
• Assist with dental hygiene supplies, equipment maintenance, sterilization processes, patient recall, and scheduling workflows.
• Communicate professionally and compassionately with patients, families, dentists, and other members of the healthcare team.
• Support dental hygiene students participating in clinical training when applicable.
• Participate in team meetings and quality improvement activities.
• Provide dental hygiene services under direct, general, or remote supervision when permitted and appropriate under Virginia Board of Dentistry requirements.

Benefits

• Competitive pay of $32.00–$42.00 per hour (based on experience)
• A comprehensive employee benefits package for eligible employees
• A supportive, collaborative dental team
• Meaningful, patient-centered work with a diverse patient population
• The stability of an established community healthcare organization
• Opportunities for continued professional growth and development
• The opportunity to make a measurable difference in access to oral healthcare in Southwest Virginia
• A workplace focused on quality, safety, teamwork, and service to our communities

What This Job Offers

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