Hygienist

Smile Starters; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Dental Insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Smile Starters in Hickory, NC seeks a Registered Dental Hygienist to care for children aged 1–20 within a bright, high-energy practice. You’ll work closely with a DA II and dentists to deliver gentle cleanings and preventative care.

Responsibilities include reviewing histories, taking x-rays, educating families, documenting records, and maintaining a collaborative workflow in a busy pediatric setting. Must hold NC RDH license and CPR certification.

Qualifications

• Passion for pediatric care and ability to put nervous children at ease.
• Professional bedside manner and strong interaction with families.
• Licensed NC RDH with current CPR certification and ability to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Welcome young patients and guardians, review medical histories, and take dental x-rays.
• Perform precise, gentle teeth scaling and polishing tailored to kids and teens.
• Educate parents with clear treatment plans and obtain necessary consents.
• Coordinate with dentists on exam charting and work with DA II teammates.
• Maintain accurate electronic records, write referrals, and keep workspace pristine.

Skills

Pediatric care

Bedside manner

Team collaboration

Education

NC Dental Hygienist License

CPR Certification

Job description

Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)Make a Lifelong Impact, One Smile at a Time!At Smile Starters, we do more than just clean teeth—we build foundations for lifelong health and confidence. Serving children and young adults (ages 1–20), our mission is to transform dental visits into fun, positive adventures.We are looking for an energetic, compassionate Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) to join our collaborative, bright, and high-energy practice. If you love working with kids and thrive in a supportive, team-first environment, you will fit right in!Why You’ll Love Working With UsDeep Community Roots: Many of our former child patients now bring their own kids to see us—a true testament to the trusted relationships we build.Built-In Support: You won't be on an island. Our hygienists work hand-in-hand with dedicated Dental Assistants (DA II) to provide smooth, stress-free care.A Happy Atmosphere: We cultivate a bright, positive, and active workday where your energy and smiling face truly matter.What You’ll Do (Your Day-to-Day)Be the Guide: Welcome young patients and their guardians, review medical histories, and take dental x-rays.Deliver Excellent Care: Perform precise, gentle teeth scaling and polishing tailored to kids and teens.Educate & Empower: Present clear, encouraging treatment plans to parents and guardians, secure procedure consents, and promote lifelong oral habits.Collaborate Seamlessly: Partner with our dentists on exam charting and coordinate seamlessly with your DA II teammate.Keep Things Flowing: Maintain accurate electronic records, write referrals, and keep your workspace pristine.Who You Are (The Ideal Candidate)You have a genuine passion for pediatric care and know how to put a nervous child at ease.You bring a professional, friendly, and exceptional \"bedside manner\" to every interaction.You are energized by a bustling, fast-paced workday and love being part of a team.You hold a valid NC Dental Hygienist License and a current CPR Certification.The Perks & BenefitsWe offer both Full-Time and Part-Time tracks with a comprehensive benefits package designed to take care of you:Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.Future Planning: 401(k) retirement plan.Work-Life Balance: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) to recharge.Growth & Support: Professional development assistance and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).Location: In-person at our vibrant, modern clinic.RequirementsNC Dental Hygienist LicenseCPR Certification