Dental Hygienist - Olympia

Sky Pediatric Dentistry; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 84,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Sky Pediatric Dentistry in Olympia, WA is seeking a full-time Dental Hygienist to join our compassionate dental team. The role emphasizes patient education, preventive care, and collaboration with the dentist to maintain oral health wellness.

The ideal candidate will have graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program, current BLS certification, and an active license. The position features 4–10 hour shifts and an hourly pay range of $61–$71.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program.
• Current BLS certification required.
• Current dental hygiene license in good standing; local anesthesia endorsement; N2O permit.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Apply the dental hygiene process of care as a framework for care delivery.
• Gather patient data (medical, dental, social history) and take/update blood pressure.
• Perform extra-oral and intra-oral exams and radiographs per ALARA guidelines.
• Document assessments in the EDR system and communicate treatment plans.
• Provide patient education and counsel on oral health, risks, and preventive care.
• Maintain infection control procedures and PPE per policy.

Skills

Blood pressure measurement

Radiographs (X-rays)

Infection control

Patient education

Documentation in EDR

Education

Dental hygiene degree

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Electronic Dental Records (EDR)

Job description

Location: Olympia Practice
Position Type: Full-Time
Schedule: 4-10 Hour Shifts
Expected Hiring Range: $61.00 to $71.00 per Hour

Position Summary

The Dental Hygienist works in collaboration with a dental team to provide dental care and education to patients. The Dental Hygienist will utilize interpersonal skills to motivate and partner with patients in maintaining oral health wellness and prevent oral disease. All duties and functions will be performed within the parameters of their state’s Dental Practice Act, the Willamette Dental mission, evidence based treatment philosophy and core values. WD hygienists are encouraged to pursue education and gain the ultimate levels of licensure and certification allowed by each state’s Dental Practice Act. Fully credentialed hygienists present the greatest opportunity to provide exceptional care and help define the future dental mid-level provider.

Essential Position Functions

Apply the dental hygiene process of care (Assessment, Dental Hygiene Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation) as a framework for care delivery.

Gather accurate patient data for systemic and oral comprehensive assessment; perform at least, but not limited to:

• Review of medical, dental and social history
• Take and/or update blood pressure
• Perform extra-oral and intra-oral exams
• Chart and record dental and periodontal findings
• Conduct risk assessment through patient interviewing
• Expose and evaluate diagnostic radiographs that are appropriate within treatment guidelines and ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines

Document assessments findings in Electronic Dental Records (EDR) system. Document assessment findings and communicate these findings with the doctor of record to establish a dental hygiene treatment plan. Communicate and reinforce the treatment plan to the patient; discuss additional costs associated with treatment and obtain patient consent.

Render appropriate dental hygiene care as dictated by the treatment plan and ethics of the profession; perform at least, but not limited to: Explanation of Procedure, Alternatives, Risks and answer patient questions (PARQ) Prophy Scaling and polishing Scaling and root planning Oral health education and prognosis Nutritional counseling and prognosis Smoking cessation and prognosis Local anesthesia or N2O when necessary Preventative and therapeutic fluoride, sealants and restorations as needed according to individual state scope of practice. Engage and educate the patient as a partner in care; recommend self-care based upon individual patient risks, conditions and capabilities. Continuously evaluate and counsel patient concerning oral health status and recommend modifications of the dental hygiene treatment plan to the doctor of record and the patient.

Recommend patient products according to individual patient needs, risks and symptoms. Perform infection control procedures including disinfection and sterilization as appropriate; utilize appropriate barrier techniques. Communicate effectively with dental teams and patients as an educator and advocate. Adhere to infection control policy and guidelines; utilize PPE and engineering controls appropriately. Assist coworkers, maintain operatory and sharpen instruments. Strict adherence to Willamette Dental’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policy. This includes, but is not limited to the use of N95 respirators and other PPE as required by regulatory bodies and company policy. Flexibility to travel to other WD locations within a reasonable range as described in our Travel Policy as needed based on business need. Reliable and predictable attendance is essential. Willamette Dental cannot efficiently provide services to our members and patients without our employees being at work at their scheduled work time.

Education and Experience

Requires graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Licenses, Certifications and Registrations

Current BLS certification required. Current dental hygiene license in good standing Local anesthesia endorsement; required. N2O permit; required and kept current.