Job Title: Dental Hygienist
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Position Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Practice Manager / Lead Dentist
Job Summary
We are seeking a dedicated, detail-oriented, and compassionate Dental Hygienist to join our growing dental team. In this role, you will be the frontline advocate for our patients' oral health. You will perform professional dental cleanings, conduct thorough oral examinations, take diagnostic X-rays, and educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques. The ideal candidate has excellent interpersonal skills, a gentle clinical touch, and a strong commitment to delivering exceptional patient care.
Key Responsibilities
- Preventative Care: Perform standard cleanings, scaling, and root planing (deep cleanings) for adult and pediatric patients.
- Clinical Assessments: Screen patients by reviewing medical histories, conducting oral cancer screenings, and charting conditions (periodontal probing, noting decay or disease).
- Diagnostics: Prepare, position patients for, and expose high-quality digital dental radiographs (X-rays).
- Patient Education: Instruct patients on proper oral hygiene strategies, post-operative care, and the correlation between oral health and systemic health.
- Treatments: Apply fluorides, sealants, and topical anesthetic agents as prescribed by the dentist.
- Sterilization & Compliance: Maintain a sterile clinical environment by preparing and disinfecting treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, and strictly adhering to OSHA, CDC, and HIPAA regulations.
- Documentation: Accurately document patient treatment plans, completed procedures, and clinical notes within the electronic dental record (EDR) software.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Education: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited program.
- Licensure: Active Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) license in the state of New Mexico.
- Certifications:
- Current CPR/BLS certification.
- Local Anesthesia certification.
- Laser certification is a plus.
- Experience: Prior experience in a private practice setting is preferred, but passionate new graduates are welcome to apply!
- Skills:
- Proficiency with digital dental software and digital X-ray sensors.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a strong plus.
Skills & Competencies
- Empathy & Patient Care: Ability to comfort anxious patients and build long-term rapport.
- Communication: Clear, professional verbal communication skills to effectively explain complex clinical concepts to patients.
- Manual Dexterity: High level of precision and control when handling delicate dental instruments.
- Teamwork: A collaborative mindset to work seamlessly alongside dentists, assistants, and front office coordinators.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $45.00 - $50.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
Work Location: In person
