Lead Dental Hygienist

We offer a competitive hourly rate plus a monthly performance bonus tied to your production and clinical excellence. Our top-earning Lead Hygienists make up to $77/hour in NYC, combining base pay and bonus potential — with clear goals, transparency, and the support to help you thrive.

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.

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 leadership and mentorship to hygienists and hygiene assistants, setting expectations, coaching performance, and ensuring adherence to Tend’s clinical standards
• 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 metrics
• Lead regular hygiene team meetings, provide feedback, and champion CE opportunities and professional development for the hygiene team
• 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

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

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