Dental Hygienist Float

Neighborhood Health Center; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20 days of PTO

Health/dental/vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with employer match

EAP and life insurance

Job summary

Neighborhood Health Center is seeking a Dental Hygienist in Portland, OR. The role involves providing clinical dental hygiene services to patients and requires a valid Oregon Dental Hygiene License. The Dental Hygienist will be responsible for tasks including preventative care, patient education, and maintaining infection control practices.

This full-time position offers competitive compensation, 20 days of PTO, and health benefits including dental and vision. Join a passionate team dedicated to underserved communities!

Qualifications

• Requires graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program.
• One year related experience and/or training preferred.
• Valid and unencumbered Oregon Dental Hygiene License is required.

Responsibilities

• Provides clinical services including prophylaxis and scaling.
• Obtains and enters patient information into dental records.
• Coordinates dental health services including referrals.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Time management

Education

Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program

Valid Oregon Dental Hygiene License

BLS certification

Tools

MS Office Suite

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Who We Are

Neighborhood Health Center is a non‑profit organization local to Portland, OR serving underserved patients in primary care, internal medicine, dental services, and more. Our patient‑centered approach honors the unique needs and circumstances of each individual patient. NHC sees people, not problems, and recognizes that the time spent as a patient in a doctor's office is only one factor in a person's overall health. Our integrated clinical teams work in partnership with patients, their families, and the communities we serve to provide whole‑person care, prevention, and ongoing support.

Equal Opportunity Employer

NHC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate differences in the workplace and do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Why work with us

• We are a non‑profit organization, passionate about providing the underserved population with medical and dental services across the greater Portland area, committed to making a difference daily.
• We offer our employees a competitive compensation and benefits package which includes 20 days of PTO, 9 paid holidays, health/dental/vision insurance, quarterly wellness reimbursements, generous 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, employer‑paid disability insurance, EAP and life insurance.
• Our employees voted NHC a Top Workplace in 2020‑2024.

Job Title

Dental Hygienist

Department

Dental

Reports To

Chief Dental Officer

Work Type

On‑Site

Classification

Full‑Time, Exempt

Language Differential

Eligible

Summary

This position is responsible for providing dental hygiene and periodontal therapy treatment to patients in clinic and mobile dental units.

Essential Job Duties

• Provides clinical services to adults and children including prophylaxis, scaling, root planing, soft tissue curettage, and preventative care.
• Obtains and enters patient information into the electronic dental record.
• Develops and implements preventive oral health programs.
• Provides blood pressure screening and administers topical and local anesthesia as licensure permits.
• Performs fluoride applications, polish restorations and alloys.
• Provides nitrous oxide as licensure permits.
• Coordinates a variety of dental health services, including case management and referrals to community resources.
• Provides patients and their families with instruction on oral hygiene, disease prevention, and post‑operative instructions.
• Consults regularly with dentists on individual patient needs and complex medical histories.
• Maintains proper infection control practices at all times.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with all levels of co‑workers and the general public.
• Assists in new employee training on specific tasks, as needed.
• Works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
• Participates in process and quality improvement workflows.
• Maintains punctual, regular, and predictable attendance.
• Complies with NHC standardized workflows, protocols, HIPAA, OSHA, and safety guidelines.
• Performs duties necessary to support tele‑dentistry as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Requires graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program.
• One year related experience and/or training preferred; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Valid and unencumbered Oregon Dental Hygiene License is required.
• BLS card is required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Behaviors

• Highly punctual and dependable.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain discretion with sensitive or confidential information.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work under direction of multiple people.
• Intermediate or higher proficiency of MS Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks, sometimes with conflicting deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and within a team setting.
• Familiarity with video conferencing applications and software.
• Excellent grammar, spelling, and proofreading skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours occasionally as needed.

Working Conditions

• Full‑time, 40 hours per week, with variable workdays and locations; occasional weekend availability may be required.
• High patient volume creating a fast‑paced environment; noise level moderate to loud.
• Exposure to toxic chemicals for infection control or blood‑borne pathogens and exposure to contaminated sharp instruments.
• Work involves sitting while using a computer, handling tools, repeated movements, and prolonged computer use.
• Frequently standing and walking around the office for supplies, filing, or collaborating with employees.
• Occasionally lifting or moving objects weighing 20‑25 pounds up to 40‑50 pounds.

Neighborhood Health Center Employment Offers are contingent on successful completion of reference checks, background checks, drug screening for illegal substances, Tuberculosis, and any position‑specific credentialing or licensure requirements.