Relief Dental Hygienist

Willamette Dental; Pullman (WA); On-site; USD 9,092,160 - 11,020,800; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with 5% match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Willamette Dental in Pullman is looking for a Dental Hygienist to join their team. The role involves collaborating with the dental team to deliver dental care and educate patients on maintaining oral health. Responsibilities include conducting patient assessments and providing dental hygiene treatments.

This on-call position offers a competitive rate of $66.33 per hour, with flexible scheduling as needed. Candidates should ideally hold a degree in dental hygiene from an accredited program and have a current BLS certification.

Qualifications

• Requires graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program.
• Must hold a current BLS certification.
• Possess a current nitrous oxide (N2O) permit.

Responsibilities

• Provide dental care and education to patients.
• Apply the dental hygiene process of care.
• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments.
• Render appropriate dental hygiene care.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Patient education

Infection control procedures

Risk assessment

Education

Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Electronic Dental Records (EDR) system

Dental equipment

Diagnostic radiographs tools

Job description

Location: Pullman Practice
Position Type: On‑call
Schedule: As needed
Expected Hiring Range: $66.33 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 are performed within the parameters of the state Dental Practice Act, Willamette Dental mission, evidence‑based treatment philosophy and core values.

Essential Position Functions

• Apply the dental hygiene process of care (Assessment, Dental Hygiene Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation) as a framework for delivery.
• Gather accurate patient data for systemic and oral comprehensive assessment; perform at least:
  • Review of medical, dental and social history
  • Take 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 per treatment guidelines and ALARA principles
  • Document assessments in the Electronic Dental Records (EDR) system
• Communicate findings with the doctor of record to establish a dental hygiene treatment plan.
• Discuss treatment plan, additional costs, and obtain patient consent.
• Render appropriate dental hygiene care such as:
  • Explanation of procedure, alternatives, risks, and patient questions (PARQ)
  • Prophylaxis (Prophy)
  • Scaling and polishing
  • Scaling & root planing
  • Oral and nutritional health education
  • Smoking cessation counseling
  • Local anesthesia or nitrous oxide when necessary
  • Preventative and therapeutic fluoride, sealants, and restorations per state scope of practice
• Engage and educate patients as partners in care; recommend self‑care based on individual risk and capabilities.
• Continuously evaluate and counsel patients regarding oral health; recommend updates to the treatment plan.
• Recommend patient products according to needs and symptoms.
• Perform infection control procedures, including disinfection, sterilization, and use of barrier techniques.
• Communicate effectively with the dental team and patients as an educator and advocate.
• Adhere to infection control policy and guidelines; use PPE and engineering controls appropriately.
• Assist coworkers, maintain the operatory, and sharpen instruments.
• Follow Willamette Dental’s PPE policy, including N95 respirators and other required PPE.
• Be flexible to travel to other locations within a reasonable range when required by business needs.
• Maintain reliable and predictable attendance as essential to service delivery.

Education and Experience

Requires graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program; a bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Licenses, Certifications and Registrations

• Current BLS certification required.
• Current nitrous oxide (N2O) permit required.

Compensation

The base pay offered will be based on education, experience, geographic location, and internal equity. The position may also be eligible for incentive pay.

Company Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance; tuition reimbursement; flexible spending accounts; 401(k) with 5% match; accidental death and dismemberment insurance; life insurance; voluntary disability insurance; commuter benefits; two complimentary pairs of clinical scrubs; employee assistance program.

Physical Requirements

Primary tasks involve sitting and/or standing, with occasional walking, bending, stooping, and carrying light items such as papers and supplies. Use of a computer and standard office equipment is required.

EEO Statement

Willamette Dental is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Legal

This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities but defines the scope and function of the position. The position may involve exposure to PHI and requires compliance with HIPAA.