Dental Hygienist

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Generous time off

Retirement plan

PSLF option

Job summary

The University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities invites applicants for a Registered Dental Hygienist to provide clinical oral hygiene care, educate patients on prevention, and assist dentists in all phases of care. The role focuses on delivering high-quality dental cleanings and diagnostics while maintaining safety and patient comfort.

Requirements include graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program, Minnesota license, CPR, and the ability to multi-task in a busy academic clinic.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program.
• Current Minnesota Dental Hygiene License.
• CPR certification is required.
• Ability to multi-task and adapt to changing environments.
• Experience providing dental care to diverse patients.

Responsibilities

• Clinical care: professional dental cleanings including scaling, root planing, and polishing.
• Diagnostics: take high-quality digital X-rays and intraoral photos; periodontal screening and charting.
• Prevention: apply fluorides and sealants to prevent decay.
• Patient education: teach proper oral hygiene and link oral health to overall health.
• Sterilization: maintain sterile rooms and instruments per OSHA/CDC guidelines.

Skills

Dental hygiene

CPR certification

Multi-tasking

Adaptability

Education

Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program

Minnesota Dental Hygiene License

Current CPR Certification

Job description

Job ID: 376238

Location: Twin Cities

Contract: Full-Time

Job Type: Regular

About the Job

The Registered Dental Hygienist is responsible for providing clinical oral hygiene care, educating patients on preventative health, and assisting dental providers in diagnosing dental conditions. This position has the primary responsibility of assisting dentists in all phases of patient care.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

95% – Clinical Service Duties:

• Clinical Care: Perform professional dental cleanings, including scaling, root planing, and polishing.
• Diagnostics: Take high-quality digital X-rays and intraoral photos; perform periodontal screenings and charting.
• Prevention: Apply fluorides, sealants, and other cavity-preventing agents.
• Patient Education: Instruct patients on proper oral hygiene techniques (brushing, flossing, nutrition) and explain the link between oral health and systemic diseases.
• Medical History: Review and update patient medical histories, including medications and blood pressure screenings.

• Sterilization: Maintain a sterile environment by disinfecting treatment rooms and sterilizing instruments according to OSHA and CDC guidelines.

5% – Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program
• Current State of Minnesota Dental Hygiene License
• Current CPR Certification
• Must be able to multi-task and adapt to changing work environments and work responsibilities
• Successful experience providing dental care to a diverse patient base.

Please note that knowledge or experience in General Dentistry and knowledge of dental procedures is required. A possible phone/in person interview may be required to determine if an applicant has obtained the qualifications for the role.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least one year experience as a Dental Hygienist working in a dental office or clinic
• Experience in an academic institution or in training or teaching others such as Dental Hygiene externs/interns, DDS, DH and DT students
• Experience in a busy Dental Clinic or practice atmosphere with multiple providers
• Ability to work with a diverse patient population, faculty, and staff, and ability to promote a respectful work place
• Broad experience with knowledge of procedures and in all areas of Dentistry
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work well in a team setting

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $40.11-$52.91/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.