Registered Dental Hygienist

Northwest Michigan Health Services • Traverse City, MI

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About The Position

Are you searching for a meaningful career with competitive pay and exceptional benefits? If so, Northwest Michigan Health Services, Inc. (NMHSI) is the place for you!

For more than 50 years, NMHSI—a nonprofit community health center—has been committed to improving the health and wellness of communities across Northwest Michigan. We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Dental Hygienist to join our Traverse City dental team.

Position Summary
The Dental Hygienist provides high-quality, patient-centered preventive dental care, patient education, and support for long-term oral health. This role serves a diverse patient population, including uninsured and underserved individuals and families, and works collaboratively within an integrated care team.

Requirements

• Licensed as a Registered Dental Hygienist in Michigan
• Current CPR certification and up-to-date CEUs
• Knowledge of sterilization, OSHA, PPE, and infection control standards
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and cultural sensitivity
• Comfortable and compassionate working with low socio-economic status patients
• Flexibility to work at other NMHSI locations, mobile dental clinics, or community events

Nice To Haves

• Preferably trained in Nitrous Oxide administration and/or local anesthesia delivery
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

• Provide preventive dental care including prophylaxis, fluoride application, periodontal therapy, oral hygiene instruction, nutrition and tobacco cessation counseling, SDF application, dental screening, and oral cancer screening
• Maintain accurate patient records, including ICD-10 coding and compliance with UDS measures
• Sanitize operatories and sterilize instruments according to OSHA standards
• Wear PPE as required and uphold infection control protocols
• Participate in quality improvement activities, staff in-services, and continuing education
• Maintain dental instruments and equipment in proper working condition
• Promote patient-centered medical home (PCMH) standards and advocate for public oral health
• Incorporate cultural sensitivity into practice, recognizing how beliefs impact oral health and care access
• Report errors, HIPAA violations, conflicts of interest, or ergonomic issues appropriately
• Collaborate with medical and behavioral health teams to encourage total body health
• Support NMHSI’s mission: “providing quality healthcare through a wide range of health services to the people in our communities, always serving with dignity and compassion”
• Use chairside Quick Reference Guides to educate patients and promote oral health
• Educate patients on treatment plans, costs, and appointment scheduling

Benefits

• Health & Insurance: Medical coverage through BCBS or BCN, Health Savings Account with employer contribution, employer-sponsored life and disability insurance
• Paid Time & Work–Life Balance: 11 paid holidays, generous PTO
• Retirement: 401(k) with Roth option and employer match
• Supportive, mission-driven environment serving our local communities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed