Dental Hygienist- Bilingual (Part-Time)
Make a Difference Through Compassionate Oral Healthcare
Arlington Free Clinic (AFC) is seeking a dedicated and patient-focused Dental Hygienist to join our Dental Department. This position plays a critical role in delivering high-quality preventive oral healthcare services to our patients while supporting AFC's mission to provide compassionate, comprehensive healthcare to uninsured adults in our community.
As a member of our interdisciplinary dental team, you will provide preventive care, educate patients on oral health and disease prevention, and help improve overall health outcomes through exceptional patient-centered care.
About Arlington Free Clinic
Arlington Free Clinic is a nonprofit healthcare organization dedicated to providing high-quality medical and dental care to uninsured adults. Our team is guided by the core values of respect, integrity, inclusion, innovation, compassion, collaboration, and passion.
Position Summary
The Dental Hygienist provides preventive oral healthcare services in accordance with standards established by the Virginia Board of Dentistry and Arlington Free Clinic protocols. This role is responsible for assessing patients, performing dental hygiene procedures, providing oral health education, supporting disease prevention efforts, and collaborating with dentists and clinical staff to ensure excellent patient outcomes.
Essential Responsibilities
Patient Care and Dental Hygiene Services
- Conduct patient assessments by reviewing medical histories, patient records, and oral health conditions.
- Perform dental hygiene examinations and collect clinical data to support diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Remove plaque and calculus from tooth surfaces.
- Expose and process dental radiographs.
- Apply fluoride treatments and other preventive agents.
- Chart existing restorations, periodontal pocket depths, carious lesions, and other clinical findings.
- Educate patients on oral hygiene practices, disease prevention, and home care techniques.
- Counsel patients regarding nutrition, tobacco cessation, and behaviors that support oral and overall health.
- Educate patients about the connection between oral health and systemic health, including chronic disease management.
Clinical Documentation and Compliance
- Maintain accurate, timely, and complete patient records.
- Review and update patient health histories.
- Document treatment plans, patient progress, and home care compliance.
- Adhere to HIPAA, OSHA, infection control, and workplace safety requirements.
- Perform instrument sterilization and infection control procedures in accordance with clinic protocols.
Teamwork and Community Engagement
- Collaborate with dentists and clinical staff to develop patient treatment recommendations.
- Participate in community outreach and oral health education initiatives.
- Support clinic-wide initiatives and perform other duties within the Virginia Board of Dentistry's scope of practice for Registered Dental Hygienists.
Qualifications
Required
- Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program.
- Current, unrestricted Virginia Dental Hygiene License.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Bilingual in Spanish and English both spoken and written
- Certification in local anesthesia and ability to administer anesthesia under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
- Thorough knowledge of dental hygiene principles, practices, and procedures.
- Knowledge of HIPAA, OSHA, infection control, and workplace safety requirements.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to build rapport with diverse patient populations.
- Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic health record systems.
Preferred
- Certification in Remote Supervision for Dental Hygienists in Virginia.
- Experience working in community health, public health, nonprofit healthcare, or underserved populations.
Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will:
- Be passionate about improving access to oral healthcare.
- Demonstrate empathy and patience when working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Comfortably explain periodontal and restorative conditions to patients.
- Be able to reassure and support patients who may be anxious or uncomfortable.
- Thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
Schedule and Work Environment
- Part-time position working 32 hours per week.
- Primarily weekdays during business hours, Monday through Thursday
- On-site position with limited remote work opportunities
- Exempt position not eligible for overtime pay
Why Join Arlington Free Clinic?
At Arlington Free Clinic, you will have the opportunity to use your skills and expertise to make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients who might otherwise go without dental care. Join a team of compassionate professionals dedicated to advancing health equity and transforming lives through quality healthcare.
To Apply: Please submit your cover letter and resume to Director of Human Resources at nadkins@arlingtonfreeclinic.org
Arlington Free Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences.