Dental Hygienist

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Job Details:

• Title
  :
  Dental Hygienist
• Classification
  :
  Dental Hygienists (29-1292)
• Program
  :
  Dental Clinic
• Reports to
  :
  Lead Dental Hygienist
• FLSA status
  :
  Exempt:
  Full-time or Part-time
• Schedule
  :
  Monday-Friday
• Wage Range
  :
  Up to $103,318 annually; depending on number of years of transferrable experience and internal equity
• Location
  :
  Yellowstone County community and south-central Montana
• Employer
  :
  River Stone Health

About River Stone Health

River Stone Health has served the Yellowstone County community and south-central Montana for nearly 50 years, providing personal and public health services. Their mission is summarized by the acronym HELP (Health, Education, Leadership and Protection) and includes medical, dental, behavioral healthcare, home care, hospice, immunizations, WIC, health promotion and restaurant inspections. The organization aims to improve life, health and safety through access, affordability, compassion and quality.

Dental

Clinic Overview

The River Stone Health Dental Clinic is committed to ensuring patients receive the highest quality care. The clinic offers a full range of services, from preventive check‑ups to minor surgeries, and works closely with the medical team to address the overall health of community members across all ages. The dental team provides care regardless of insurance coverage, delivering services such as cleanings, sealants, x‑rays, fillings and more.

Job Summary

The Dental Hygienist administers oral hygiene care and educational outreach, evaluates patient oral health, maintains records, and provides advanced preventive care including cleanings, fluoride treatments, suturing and dressing removal.

Responsibilities

• Perform at least 95% of Dental Hygienist services.
• Educate patients on good oral hygiene practices and provide preventive dental care.
• Examine teeth and gums, record caries, disease or abnormalities.
• Remove calculus, stains and plaque from teeth.
• Perform gross debridement for acute periodontal conditions.
• Expose, process and mount dental radiographs.
• Apply fluoride and pit‑and‑fissure sealants.
• Place temporary fillings.
• Remove sutures and dressings.
• Perform root planing as periodontal therapy.
• Smooth and polish metal restorations.
• Prepare diagnostic tests for dentist interpretation.
• Assist dentists during chair‑side procedures.
• Set up instruments, materials and equipment for each procedure.
• Sterilize instruments and ensure infection control.
• Maintain clinical progress notes and dental records.
• Attend continuing education courses to maintain or update skills.
• Communicate internally to ensure efficient, quality customer service.
• Support quality improvement initiatives and maintain high quality work.

Other Duties (Non‑Essential, ≥5%)

• Perform other duties as assigned to support River Stone’s mission and goals.

Education And Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in dental hygiene.
• Any combination of experience and training that provides equivalent scope of knowledge, skills and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some experience as a dental hygienist.
• Experience working with underserved populations.
• Current license issued by the State of Montana to administer local anesthetic agents (under supervision).

Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Current license as a Registered Dental Hygienist in the State of Montana.
• Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene school.
• Successful completion of the ADA Joint Commission exam (written and practical).
• Successful completion of the State of Montana Jurisprudence Exam.
• Current CPR certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Maintain calm, positive demeanor during difficult client interactions.
• Display non‑judgmental, empathetic listening skills.
• Understand HIPAA and confidentiality obligations.
• Work collaboratively to create a positive environment.
• Perform duties with integrity, innovation and high quality.
• Adhere to administrative policies and procedures.

Customer Service Excellence

• Do things right the first time.
• Make people feel welcome.
• Show respect for each customer.
• Anticipate customer needs and concerns.
• Keep customers informed.
• Help and go the extra mile.
• Respond quickly.
• Protect privacy and confidentiality.
• Demonstrate proper telephone etiquette.
• Take responsibility for handling complaints.
• Act professionally.
• Own attitude toward Service Excellence.

Supervision

• None

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Work performed in a clinic setting.
• Standing, bending, sitting and twisting required.
• Exposure to biological pathogens; PPE and precautions required.
• Maintain a safe working environment by adhering to safety, security and health requirements.

Freedom to Act & Decision Making

• Work structured by public health regulations and dental clinic practices.
• Decisions affect quality of services.
• Use independent judgment.

Communications & Networking

• Work directly with other team members to provide quality customer service.

Budget & Resource Management

• Not applicable.

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