Hygiene Assistant

Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry; Cary (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

PTO

401(k)

Job summary

Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry in Cary, NC is seeking a Hygiene Assistant to support hygienists with patient prep, charting, and room turnover. You will handle radiographs, vital signs, and treatment plan conversations to aid case acceptance in a fast-paced team setting.

The role emphasizes strong communication, organization, and comfort discussing treatment financing with patients. Training and collaboration with front office ensure smooth scheduling and patient care.

Qualifications

• Dental assisting experience preferred; new graduates welcome to apply.
• Completion of a North Carolina Board-approved radiology course (or ability to complete before start)
• Current CPR/BLS certification
• North Carolina Dental Assistant II credential a plus
• Comfort discussing treatment and financial options with patients
• Strong communication skills and a warm, patient-first approach
• Ability to stay organized and adaptable in a fast-paced setting

Responsibilities

• Greet and seat patients, review and update medical histories, and take vital signs
• Take radiographs and intraoral photos
• Record periodontal charting and clinical notes as the hygienist dictates
• Prepare and turn over operatories, including cleaning, disinfecting, and setting up trays
• Sterilize instruments and maintain infection control standards
• Provide oral hygiene instructions to patients
• Review recommended treatment plans with patients, explain costs, insurance estimates, and financing options
• Help schedule recommended treatment and support case acceptance with the front office
• Help keep the hygiene schedule on time and support the team during busy days
• Perform other duties within the scope permitted for dental assistants under North Carolina regulations

Skills

Communication

Organization

Teamwork

Discuss treatment options

Education

Radiology course (NC Board-approved)

CPR/BLS certification

Dental Assistant II credential (NC)

Job description

The Role

As a Hygiene Assistant, you’ll work side by side with one or two hygienists to keep the schedule running smoothly. You’ll handle patient prep, charting, room turnover, and treatment plan conversations so our hygienists can focus on clinical care. It’s a great fit for a dental assistant who enjoys a fast pace, patient interaction, and teamwork.

What You’ll Do

• Greet and seat patients, review and update medical histories, and take vital signs
• Take radiographs and intraoral photos
• Record periodontal charting and clinical notes as the hygienist dictates
• Prepare and turn over operatories, including cleaning, disinfecting, and setting up trays
• Sterilize instruments and maintain infection control standards
• Provide oral hygiene instructions to patients
• Review recommended treatment plans with patients, answer questions, and explain costs, insurance estimates, and patient financing options
• Help schedule recommended treatment and partner with the front office to support case acceptance
• Help keep the hygiene schedule on time and support the team during busy days
• Perform other duties within the scope permitted for dental assistants under North Carolina regulations

What You’ll Bring

• Dental assisting experience preferred; new graduates welcome to apply
• Completion of a North Carolina Board-approved radiology course (or ability to complete before start)
• Current CPR/BLS certification
• North Carolina Dental Assistant II credential a plus
• Comfort discussing treatment and financial options with patients
• Strong communication skills and a warm, patient-first approach
• Ability to stay organized and adaptable in a fast-paced setting

Physical Requirements

• Stand, sit, bend, and reach for extended periods throughout the workday
• Work closely with patients while maintaining proper posture and positioning
• Lift and carry up to 25 pounds
• Use fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination for clinical tasks
• See and hear well enough to perform clinical duties and communicate with patients and team members, with or without correction
• Wear required personal protective equipment, including masks, gloves, gowns, and eyewear, for extended periods
• Work in a clinical setting with exposure to bodily fluids, dental materials, and low-level radiation, following all safety protocols

Our hiring process

• Phone screen, then an in-office working interview
• We contact prior employers for references, including questions about attendance, dependability, and teamwork. Please be ready to provide at least two supervisor references.
• Offers are contingent on satisfactory reference and background checks
• New team members complete a 90-day introductory period

What we offer

Medical, dental, vision / PTO / 401(k)