Role: Hygienist, reporting to Dentist
To provide high-quality dental hygiene care while ensuring a smooth, efficient operation of the dental office. This role includes preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist as needed, maintaining office cleanliness and organization, and ensuring compliance with all safety standards.
Responsibilities:
Patient Care & Education
- Provide dental hygiene services such as cleaning, scaling, polishing, fluoride treatments, and patient education on proper oral care.
- Educate patients on the importance of good oral hygiene, home care techniques, and the role of regular dental visits.
- Assist patients with treatment questions, concerns, and post-hygiene operative care instructions.
- Prepare hygiene patient charts in advance, ensuring all medical and dental history is updated for scheduled appointments.
- Keep patient notes up to date with accurate and detailed information regarding their treatment, progress, and any relevant health changes.
Assisting the Dentist & Office Operations
- Assist the dentist with various procedures only when needed.
- Set up hygiene treatment rooms in advance, ensuring tools, instruments, and supplies are prepared and organized.
- Keep track of the hygiene patient’s schedule, ensure appointments are accurate, and manage appointment adjustments as needed.
Compliance & Sterilization
- Ensure compliance with OSHA standards, sterilization protocols, and infection control measures.
- Maintain up-to-date documentation and perform regular checks of safety equipment.
- Monitor sterilization and spore testing, ensuring tests are conducted and results are documented properly.
Room & Equipment Management
- Maintain room binders in hygiene rooms with current consents, post-operative instructions, and necessary forms for treatments.
- Clean and sanitize hygiene rooms, and help with the lab, and other office areas at the end of each day.
- Arrive early to prepare the office equipment, including computers, panoramic machines, and treatment areas.
This role requires a team-first mindset. All team members are expected to collaborate and assist in other roles when necessary to ensure smooth daily operations and exceptional patient care.
Requirements:
- Certified Dental Hygienist License in Florida.
- Degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited program, preferred.
- Certification in X-ray use (if required by state law).
- 1-2 years of experience in dental hygiene (preferred).
- Knowledge of OSHA, HIPAA, and infection control protocols.
Key Skills:
- Strong communication skills, both with patients and the dental team.
- High attention to detail and excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
- Compassionate, patient-focused, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
Results/KPIs:
Patient Care & Education
- Maintain 95%+ patient satisfaction rating through quality care and clear communication.
- At least 80% of recommended treatments are scheduled/completed.
- Provide thorough cleanings and hygiene treatments, ensuring 90%+ patient compliance with recommended follow-ups.
Procedure Readiness
- Ensure that 100% of charts are prepped and treatment rooms are set up before appointments.
- 100% of hygiene rooms are fully stocked and prepped before each patient.
Schedule Efficiency
- Minimize schedule gaps, ensuring 90%+ chair time utilization.
Compliance & Safety
- Maintain 100% OSHA compliance with zero infractions.
Sterilization Protocols
- Complete and document 100% of required spore testing and sterilization.
Doctor Support
- Assist in 100% of scheduled procedures, ensuring seamless workflow.
Remuneration:
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Performance-based bonuses.
- Health and dental benefits.
- Paid time off and professional development opportunities.
Compassionate & Patient-Focused
- Builds trust with patients, especially those who are anxious about dental procedures.
- Communicates treatment plans and post-op care in an empathetic and clear way.
Proactive & Efficient
- Anticipates needs, minimizes schedule gaps, and optimizes workflow.