Lead Hygienist

Tend; New York (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Assisted Hygiene

CE & Professional Development

Malpractice Insurance

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

401(k)

Job summary

As a Lead Dental Hygienist at Tend, you’ll set the standard for hygiene excellence in your studio, mentoring hygienists and hygiene assistants, and collaborating with dentists and operations leaders to drive clinical and business success.

You’ll contribute to Tend’s Team (Assisted) Hygiene model, guiding protocols, training, and continuous improvement for the hygiene team while maintaining a well-booked schedule of patients.

Qualifications

• Degree from an accredited dental hygiene program.
• Current, active hygiene license in the applying state.
• Current CPR/BLS certification; anesthesia/nitrous license in applicable states preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead hygiene team meetings and drive continuous improvement.
• Mentor and coach hygienists and assistants to maintain Tend’s standards.
• Collaborate with dentists on exams and treatment planning.
• Enhance studio-wide hygiene flow and sterilization protocols.
• Support same-day treatment acceptance and monitor KPIs.
• Ensure high-performing clinical environment and patient care.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Training

Communication

Education

Dental Hygiene Degree

Active Hygiene License (state)

CPR/BLS

Tools

Intraoral Cameras

Digital Charting

X-ray Technology

Job description

As a Lead Dental Hygienist at Tend, you’ll do more than deliver top-tier preventive care — you’ll also set the standard for hygiene excellence in your studio. You’ll model best practices for patient care, mentor and coach fellow hygienists and hygiene assistants, and collaborate with dentists and operations leaders to drive both clinical and business success. You’ll still treat a well-booked schedule of patients in our Team (Assisted) Hygiene model, while also guiding protocols, training, and continuous improvement for the hygiene team. At Tend, we’re committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive environment where both our patients and our teams feel respected, represented, and truly cared for. Our model is built for driven hygienist leaders: those who value autonomy, inspire others, and take pride in building a culture of high-performance care.

We offer a competitive hourly rate and monthly bonus based on production with top earning Hygienists making up to $82/hr. You’ll receive transparency and support to help you thrive — no surprises, just opportunity.

What You’ll Do

• Deliver comprehensive preventive and periodontal care — including prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance, scaling and root planing (SRP), gingivitis scaling, oral cancer screenings, iTero scans, sealants, Zoom whitening, Perio Protect, Curodont, fluoride treatments, and patient education — all in alignment with evidence-based clinical guidelines
• Provide hands-on training for new hygienist hires and oversee the onboarding and development of hygienists and hygiene assistants to reinforce Tend’s clinical standards, workflows, and patient care protocols
• Offer ongoing mentorship to hygienists and hygiene assistants, supporting their clinical growth, confidence, and professional development
• Provide regular, constructive feedback to support performance improvement, reinforce expectations, and maintain consistent hygiene standards across the team
• Collaborate with dental assistants to optimize studio-wide hygiene flow, sterilization protocols, and room turnover efficiency
• Partner with dentists on exams and treatment planning, reinforcing comprehensive care and seamless handoffs for patients
• Proactively drive hygiene production across the team by identifying opportunities, supporting same-day treatment acceptance, and monitoring key performance metrics
• Lead regular hygiene team meetings and champion continuing education and development opportunities for the hygiene team
• Lead and drive Tend’s Team (Assisted) Hygiene model, ensuring hygienists and assistants work together effectively to maximize efficiency, elevate patient care, and maintain a high-performing clinical environment
• Partner closely with studio managers and doctors to ensure the hygiene department is meeting patient care, quality, and business objectives
• Build strong, lasting relationships with patients through trust, education, and consistent care — setting the tone for the hygiene experience at Tend
• Champion new clinical and operational initiatives within the hygiene team, leading by example and supporting the adoption of best practices across the studio

Who You Are

You embody our Tend values and elevate them as a leader — setting the example for patients, teammates, and the hygiene team.

Tend Values

• Tend to Others – Foster exceptional patient experiences and a collaborative team culture
• Be Brave Enough to Lead – Model integrity and accountability, and empower others to do the same
• Savor the Ride – Celebrate wins, bring positivity, and keep the team motivated in a fast-paced environment
• Embrace Our Differences – Promote inclusivity and respect in every interaction, creating a safe space for patients and teammates
• Rooted in Growth – Lead with a growth mindset, offering feedback, mentorship, and opportunities for continuous learning

Role-Based Competencies

• Builds Trust & Inspires Confidence – Earns confidence from patients and teammates by modeling honesty, authenticity, and clinical excellence
• Leads Collaboration – Unites roles and functions across the studio to elevate patient care and team performance
• Guides with Adaptability – Adjusts leadership approach in real time, balancing multiple priorities while coaching others to do the same

What You Have

• Degree from an accredited dental hygiene program
• Current, active hygiene license in the state you’re applying for
• Current Anesthesia/Nitrous license in applicable state
• Current CPR/BLS certification
• Prior leadership, mentorship, or training experience in a hygiene setting preferred
• Comfort with digital charting and x-rays, intraoral cameras, and technology-driven care
• Ability to model accountability, give feedback, and support teammates in their professional growth
• Open to a full-time schedule (32–40 hours/week including AM/PM and Saturday shifts)

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform the essential job duties listed, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods while performing hygiene procedures and coaching team members
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills to handle instruments, perform scaling and polishing, and operate clinical equipment
• Adequate vision (with or without correction) to read charts, assess oral conditions, interpret radiographs, and document findings
• Ability to bend, reach, and maintain ergonomic positioning for patient care throughout the day
• Occasional lifting or movement of equipment, instrument trays, and supplies up to 25 pounds
• Ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with patients, team members, and other healthcare professionals in person and via technology

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

What We Offer

• Assisted Hygiene – A dental assistant to support your patient flow and prep
• CE & Professional Development – Virtual and in-person learning opportunities, with added leadership training for Leads
• Malpractice Insurance – Full coverage provided
• Health Comes First – Medical, dental, and vision insurance — plus our own Dental Wellness Program
• Time to Recharge – Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and company holidays — because rest is productive
• Plan for the Future – 401(k) plan to help you grow your nest egg.
• Support, When You Need It – Life & AD&D insurance, EAP, legal support, and more
• Smart Spending Options – FSAs, HSAs, and pre-tax transit benefits

The base pay range listed reflects the hourly wage for this position and is determined by a variety of factors, including experience, skills, qualifications, and market conditions.

Base Pay Range: $58 USD - $62 USD

Hygienists at Tend are eligible for a monthly performance bonus based on clinical and operational key performance indicators (KPIs). Bonus pay is distributed monthly but reflected in the listed range as an hourly equivalent. Bonus amounts vary by provider, market, and schedule, and actual earnings may differ depending on individual productivity and studio performance.

Bonus Pay Range: $1 USD - $20 USD

Tend is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Tend is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We're committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. Tend does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination.

Legal and Compliance Notice:

Tend complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination, equal employment opportunity, pay transparency, and other employment-related requirements. Where specific state disclosures or postings are required by law, we provide this information as part of our hiring process or upon request.

Agency and recruiter notice:

Tend does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from staffing agencies or third-party recruiters. Any candidate submitted to Tend without a signed search agreement in place will not be considered a referred candidate, and Tend will not pay a fee for any resulting hire. If you're interested in partnering with our Talent team, please reach out to [e-mail] before submitting candidates.

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