Dental Hygienist

HopeHealth, Inc.; Florence (SC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

HopeHealth, Inc. is seeking a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) in South Carolina to provide professional dental hygiene care in a clinical setting under the supervision of a Dentist. The role emphasizes education, prevention, and high-quality patient care across a broad patient range.

The ideal candidate holds an SC license, CPR certification, and an accredited RDH program. Anesthesia certification is preferred, and the position requires independent work with strong infection control and

Qualifications

• Registered dental hygienist (RDH) licensed to practice in SC.
• Maintain licensure with CPR and CEUs.
• Anesthesia certification is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality dental hygiene care per standards.
• Evaluate patients and implement treatment plans under dentist supervision.
• Document findings, treatments and outcomes accurately.
• Review patient records and deliver oral health education.
• Demonstrate teamwork to ensure smooth program operation.
• Assess dental conditions and perform screening, charting and perio-charting.
• Deliver prophylaxis, scaling, root planing, and related procedures.
• Create personalized care plans and discharge planning with dentist oversight.
• Assist with emergency measures when needed.
• Maintain operatory and instrument upkeep and inventory.
• Support school-based clinical program operations.
• Attend staff meetings and support quality improvement initiatives.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Medical record analysis

Dental disease assessment

Dental hygiene procedures

Infection control

Team collaboration

Emergency care

Communication to non-technical staff

Patient education

Vital signs collection

Education

RDH licensed in SC

Accredited RDH program

Current CPR certification

CEU compliance

Anesthesia certification preferred

Job description

Overview Of The Position

Under the supervision of a Dentist in a clinical setting and using established dental hygiene protocols and procedures, the Dental Hygienist provides professional, high-quality dental care and education to a broad range of patients.

Education And Experience

Registered dental hygienist (RDH) from an accredited program with a current license to practice in the state of South Carolina. Current CPR certification. Pursues appropriate CEUs as required to maintain licensure and stay abreast of advances in the field of dentistry, especially in areas related to the scope of dental hygiene practice. Places a high value on personal and departmental performance excellence. Works independently with a minimum amount of supervision. Anesthesia certification preferred.

Required Skills / Abilities

• Knowledge of Federal, State and institutional regulations and guidelines for the provision of dental outpatient services.
• Ability to analyze medical records and co diagnose to formulate effective therapeutic treatment plans.
• Ability to independently assess the nature and extent of dental disease and associated conditions and pathology in dental patients.
• Ability to perform a full range of established dental hygienist protocols and procedures.
• Knowledge of patient screening, charting and medical history procedures and documentation.
• Knowledge and understanding of dental surgery and associated procedures, terminology and techniques.
• Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines.
• Ability to independently perform emergency dental procedures.
• Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical co-workers.
• Knowledge of patient admission, triage, transfer and discharge procedures and documentation.
• Ability to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC and ADA standards.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Exempt

Essential Job Functions

• Provides high-quality dental hygiene care within the scope of service consistent with accepted standards of care;
• Evaluates patients and implements treatment regimens under the supervision of the Dentist.
• Provides complete documentation of all findings, treatments and outcomes. Documents dental history of chief complaint; records and reports pertinent observations and patient reactions to dental staff, as appropriate; documents lab procedures and ensure follow-up on result
• Reviews and interprets patient dental records; Initiates oral health education and prevention activities.
• Demonstrate strong teamwork ability, and assist where needed to ensure smooth, efficient running of Dental Program.
• Assesses dental conditions and risk, uses patient screening procedures, including medical history review, dental charting and perio-charting; takes patient vital signs as required;
• Delivers direct patient care to patients as assigned, using established dental hygienist procedures, such as prophylaxis, scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, polishing, digital x-rays and intra oral camera use, application of sealants, fluorides and varnishes and related procedures;
• Develops and implements individualized dental care plans for patients; performs patient education and risk protocols, discharge planning, and patient/family teaching under the supervision of a dentist;
• Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse development during treatment of patients;
• Assumes responsibility for the upkeep of the dental operatory and equipment by performing routine cleaning and maintenance of dental equipment in assigned operatories and for the assigned equipment.
• Assumes responsibility for the upkeep of the dental instruments assigned to the clinician to include regular sharpening to maintain function
• Ability to work in school based clinical programs
• Attends and participates in staff meeting to review team progress in meeting financial and productivity goals for the dental program; Participates in Quality Improvement activities as requested by the Dentist/Clinical Dental.
• Other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements

Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, unpleasant odors and/or loud noises. Moderate physical activity. Must be able to lift 30 pounds, assisting with patients and standing and/or walking for most of the day. Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and will require OSHA training. Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment. Vision and hearing corrected to within normal limits is required. Must have manual dexterity to key in data; utilize computer, grab, grip, hold, tear, cut, sort, and reach.

Monday - Thursday 7:30am-4:30pm, with lunch from 1pm -2pm and Fridays 7:30am-1:30pm