# Registered Dental Hygienist

**Company:** [Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry](https://jobs.workable.com/companies/h7sJU9PdUb7P5LkKw8uQZe.md)
**Location:** Durham, United States
**Workplace:** on site
**Employment type:** Full-time
**Department:** Durham

[Apply for this job](https://jobs.workable.com/view/f16aacff-7afc-479c-b3ee-a9315509b2c1)

## Description

**About the role**  
We are looking for a hygienist who takes pride in clinical excellence, connects with patients, and is someone the team can count on every day. You will have a full schedule, a supportive doctor team, and the tools and time to deliver great care.

**What you will do**

-   Provide prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance, and scaling and root planing
-   Complete full periodontal charting and assess periodontal health at every appropriate visit
-   Take and review radiographs and intraoral images
-   Educate patients on their oral health and explain the “why” behind recommended care
-   Co-diagnose with the dentist and build treatment plans for periodontal and restorative care
-   Present treatment plans chairside, explaining what the patient needs and why, in plain language
-   Discuss fees, insurance estimates, and payment or financing options with patients, helping them say yes to care while the clinical conversation is still fresh
-   Administer local anesthesia \[where certified and permitted by state\]
-   Apply fluoride, sealants, and adjunctive therapies
-   Make sure each patient leaves with their next recare visit scheduled
-   Document accurately and completely in the patient record
-   Maintain your operatory and follow OSHA and infection control standards

**What we need from you**

-   **Reliability.** Regular, predictable, on-time attendance is an essential function of this job. When a hygienist is out, a full day of patients loses their care.
-   **Presence.** You are engaged and focused on the patient in your chair.
-   **A good attitude.** You stay positive and professional on busy days and take feedback well.
-   **Team first.** You communicate openly with doctors, assistants, and the front desk, and you help the whole office succeed.
-   **Clinical ownership.** You diagnose and treat periodontal disease by the standard of care, not by what is easiest.
-   **Patient connection.** You build trust, explain clearly, and are comfortable recommending treatment. Patients accept care when it comes from the clinician they trust.
-   **Comfort with money conversations.** You can talk about cost and financing clearly and confidently, without pressure and without handing it off.
-   **Professional presentation.** We hold a high standard for personal hygiene, grooming, and clean scrubs every shift.

**Qualifications**

-   Active state dental hygiene license in good standing
-   Current CPR/BLS certification
-   Local anesthesia certification \[required / preferred\]
-   New graduates welcome \[if applicable\]
-   Experience presenting treatment plans and discussing patient financing is a plus
-   Experience with Denticon practice management software is a plus

**Physical requirements**  
The following are essential to this role and must be met with or without reasonable accommodation:

-   Sit for extended periods in a clinical operator position
-   Bend, lean, and reach over patients repeatedly throughout the day
-   Use both hands with fine motor control and sustained grip for scaling and instrumentation
-   Perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements for the length of each appointment
-   See clearly at close range, including small detail, depth, and color
-   Hear and speak clearly to communicate with patients and the care team while masked
-   Lift and carry supplies and equipment up to \[25\] pounds
-   Wear required protective equipment for the full shift
-   Work with exposure to blood, saliva, radiation, disinfectants, and dental materials, following safety protocols
-   Maintain professional appearance and personal hygiene standards appropriate for close patient contact, including avoiding strong odors and fragrances

**Our hiring process**

-   A quick conversation with our Talent Team, then an office visit to meet the team
-   **We contact prior employers for references**, and we verify licensure with the state board
-   Offers are contingent on satisfactory reference, license, and background checks
-   New team members complete a 90-day introductory period

**What we offer**  
Competitive hourly pay / monthly hygiene bonus / medical, dental, vision / PTO / 401(k)