Registered Dental Hygienist

Commonwealth Dentistry•Ashland, VA

19d

About The Position

The Registered Dental Hygienist provides preventive and periodontal care, assesses patients’ periodontal health, and supports treatment planning with the dentist. The role includes educating patients, presenting recommended care and discussing fees, insurance estimates, and payment or financing options. The hygienist is expected to build patient trust, maintain accurate records, keep the operatory clean, and follow OSHA and infection-control standards. Reliability, professional conduct, teamwork, and clinical ownership are essential.

Requirements

Active state dental hygiene license in good standing.
Current CPR/BLS certification.
Reliability and regular, predictable, on-time attendance.
Ability to stay engaged and focused on patients, maintain a positive and professional attitude, and accept feedback.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to diagnose and treat periodontal disease according to the standard of care.
Ability to build patient trust, explain care clearly, and confidently recommend treatment.
Comfort discussing costs and financing clearly and without pressure.
Professional personal hygiene, grooming, and clean scrubs each shift.
Ability to meet the listed physical requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Local anesthesia certification (listed as required or preferred).
Experience presenting treatment plans and discussing patient financing.
Experience with Denticon practice management software.

Responsibilities

Provide prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance, and scaling and root planing.
Complete full periodontal charting and assess periodontal health at appropriate visits.
Take and review radiographs and intraoral images.
Educate patients about oral health and explain recommended care.
Co-diagnose with the dentist and develop treatment plans for periodontal and restorative care.
Present treatment plans chairside in clear, plain language.
Discuss fees, insurance estimates, and payment or financing options with patients.
Administer local anesthesia where certified and permitted by state law.
Apply fluoride, sealants, and adjunctive therapies.
Ensure each patient leaves with their next recare visit scheduled.
Document accurately and completely in the patient record.
Maintain the operatory and follow OSHA and infection-control standards.
Communicate with doctors, assistants, and the front desk and contribute to the success of the office.
Maintain regular, predictable, on-time attendance and professional presentation.