Dental Hygienist

HEALTH CARE PARTNERS; Marion (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Health Care Partners in South Carolina is seeking a Dental Hygienist to join our dental team. The role involves preventive and therapeutic oral healthcare for patients of all ages, collaborating with dentists, dental assistants, and other care providers to promote Oral health and disease prevention.

The position emphasizes patient-centered, culturally competent care within an FQHC setting, with opportunities for community outreach and ongoing education.

Qualifications

• Must have completed an accredited Dental Hygiene program.
• Current South Carolina Dental Hygienist license in good standing required.
• BLS certification required.
• Minimum of one year clinical dental hygiene experience preferred.
• Experience in FQHC, community health center, or public health setting preferred.
• Experience with EHR and dental PM systems preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive dental hygiene assessments, prophylaxis, periodontal therapy, fluoride treatments, sealants, and other preventive services.
• Obtain, process, and evaluate dental radiographs per regulations and orders.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene, nutrition, tobacco cessation, and disease prevention.
• Develop and implement individualized preventive care plans.
• Maintain documentation in the EHR and ensure patient confidentiality.

Skills

Preventive dentistry

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Infection prevention

Organizational skills

Bilingual (EN/SPAN) desired

Education

Accredited Dental Hygiene program

South Carolina Dental Hygienist license in good standing

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Tools

EHR systems

Dental practice management software

Digital radiography

Job description

Position Summary

The DentalHygienist is a valued member of the Health Care Partners of South Carolinadental team, providing preventive and therapeutic oral healthcare services topatients of all ages. Working collaboratively with dentists, dental assistants,medical providers, and other members of the care team, this position promotesoral health through patient education, disease prevention, clinical treatment,and early intervention. As part of a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC),the Dental Hygienist is committed to delivering compassionate, culturallycompetent, and patient-centered care to underserved and medically vulnerablepopulations.

Essential Duties andResponsibilities

• Perform comprehensive dental hygieneassessments, prophylaxis, periodontal therapy, fluoride treatments, sealants,and other preventive services within the scope of practice.
• Obtain, process, and evaluate dental radiographsin accordance with state regulations and provider orders.
• Assess patients for signs of oral disease andcommunicate findings to the supervising dentist.
• Educate patients on proper oral hygienetechniques, nutrition, tobacco cessation, and disease prevention to promotelifelong oral health.
• Assist in the development and implementation ofindividualized preventive care plans.
• Collaborate with dentists, dental assistants,and other healthcare providers to coordinate comprehensive patient care.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation inthe Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Adhere to OSHA, CDC, and infection preventionprotocols while maintaining a clean, safe, and organized clinical environment.
• Monitor and maintain dental instruments,equipment, and supplies, ensuring proper sterilization and functionality.
• Participate in community outreach activities,school-based programs, oral health education, and other initiatives thatsupport the HCPSC mission.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and protecthealth information in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Participate in required trainings, staffmeetings, continuing education, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Graduate of an accredited Dental Hygiene programrequired.
• Current South Carolina Dental Hygienist licensein good standing required.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certificationrequired.
• Minimum of one (1) year of clinical dentalhygiene experience preferred.
• Experience working in a Federally QualifiedHealth Center (FQHC), community health center, or public health settingpreferred.
• Experience using Electronic Health Record (EHR)and dental practice management systems preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are preferredbut not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of preventive dentistry, periodontaltherapy, dental radiography, infection prevention, and patient educationprinciples.
• Knowledge of OSHA, CDC infection preventionguidelines, HIPAA regulations, and South Carolina dental practice standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skillswith the ability to educate and build rapport with patients from diversebackgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability toprioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Proficiency in Electronic Health Record (EHR)systems, dental practice management software, and digital radiography.
• Ability to work collaboratively with dentists,dental assistants, medical providers, and interdisciplinary healthcare teamswhile maintaining a compassionate, patient-centered approach.