Dental Hygienist

Mount Desert Island Hospital; Southwest Harbor (ME); On-site; USD 58,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical/dental/vision/life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Continuing education benefits

Sign-on bonus

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Mount Desert Island Hospital is seeking a dedicated Dental Hygienist to join a community-focused dental practice on a full-time, 36-hour schedule. You will perform cleanings, periodontal therapies, radiographs, and patient education in a supportive team environment.

The role emphasizes preventive care, comprehensive assessments, and upholding OSHA safety standards while contributing to access to care for island residents. Strong communication and community commitment are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene.
• Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program.
• Successful completion of National and State Dental Hygiene Boards.
• Current State of Maine Dental Hygienist license.
• Current Maine Radiology Licensure.
• Strong communication and patient education skills.
• Commitment to serving a diverse community and improving access to care.

Responsibilities

• Perform dental cleanings, periodontal assessments, and preventive or periodontal treatments.
• Evaluate patients’ teeth and gums, recording the presence of disease, abnormalities, or existing restorations.
• Deliver preventive, periodontal, and limited endodontic therapies.
• Take, evaluate, and document dental radiographs.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene, disease prevention, and overall oral health.
• Assist the dentist in identifying oral health conditions and developing treatment plans.
• Maintain accurate patient records, documentation, and clinical notes.
• Prepare and maintain dental equipment and supplies according to established protocols.
• Follow safety, infection control, and OSHA standards, including handling blood or blood-borne pathogens.

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene

Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program

National and State Dental Hygiene Boards completed

Current State of Maine Dental Hygienist license

Current Maine Radiology Licensure

Strong communication and patient education skills

Commitment to serving a diverse community and improving access to care

Job description

Description

About MDI Hospital

Rooted in Community. Inspired by Care.
Mount Desert Island Hospital isn’t just a place where care is delivered — it’s where care begins, where it grows, and where it connects us all. Located in the heart of Bar Harbor, surrounded by the rugged beauty of Acadia National Park, MDI Hospital is deeply woven into the fabric of island life. We’re not just serving a community — we are the community.

A Place Where You Belong.
At MDI Hospital, every team member is more than a healthcare professional — they’re a neighbor, a friend, a familiar face in the grocery store or on the hiking trail. We believe that healing happens best when people feel seen, supported, and valued. That’s why we foster a workplace where everyone belongs, where voices are heard, and where your contributions truly matter.

Small Town Heart, Big Impact.
Though we serve a small, close-knit population, our reach is wide and our impact deep. We offer a full spectrum of care — from family medicine and behavioral health to emergency services and specialty care — all grounded in compassion and clinical excellence. Our partnerships with organizations like Penn Medicine and the MDI Biological Laboratory help us bring world-class resources to our rural setting.

A Culture of Connection.
We believe that wellness is a shared journey. Whether it’s through community wellness programs, school-based health initiatives, or simply taking the time to listen, we’re here to walk alongside our patients and each other. Our team is collaborative, mission-driven, and always ready to lend a hand — or an ear.

Come Grow With Us.
Working at MDI Hospital means being part of something bigger than yourself. It means joining a team that values your well-being, supports your growth, and celebrates your unique strengths. Whether you’re new to the island or have called it home for years, you’ll find a place here — not just to work, but to belong.

Summary of Position

Under general supervision, the Dental Hygienist delivers a full range of clinical, administrative, and patient-care services within a community-focused dental practice. This full-time, 36-hour position includes performing preventive and periodontal therapies, radiography procedures, patient assessments, and maintaining equipment and supplies in accordance with established protocols, policies, and standards. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by improving oral health for individuals and families across the Mount Desert Island community.

Benefits:

MDI Hospital and Birch Bay Retirement Village offer a competitive salary, robust medical/dental/vision/life insurance, identity theft protection program, matching retirement plan, ample paid time off, a comprehensive award winning wellness program with reimbursement incentives, generous tuition reimbursement, and continuing education benefits. Some positions may qualify for a sign on bonus and relocation assistance.

EEO Statement:

MDI Hospital and Birch Bay Retirement Village provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Perform dental cleanings, periodontal assessments, and preventive or periodontal treatments
• Evaluate patients’ teeth and gums, recording the presence of disease, abnormalities, or existing restorations
• Deliver preventive, periodontal, and limited endodontic therapies
• Take, evaluate, and document dental radiographs
• Educate patients on oral hygiene, disease prevention, and overall oral health
• Assist the dentist in identifying oral health conditions and developing treatment plans
• Maintain accurate patient records, documentation, and clinical notes
• Prepare and maintain dental equipment and supplies according to established protocols
• Follow safety, infection control, and OSHA standards, including handling blood or blood-borne pathogens

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene
• Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program
• Successful completion of National and State Dental Hygiene Boards
• Current State of Maine Dental Hygienist license
• Current Maine Radiology Licensure
• Strong communication and patient education skills
• Commitment to serving a diverse community and improving access to care

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work is performed in an indoor medical/clinical setting
• Moderate physical activity: standing and/or walking for more than 4 hours per day; handling objects up to 25 lbs
• Exposure to potential hazards or physical risks, requiring standard safety precautions
• Work involves contact with blood or blood-borne pathogens; OSHA training required