Dental Hygienist

About Us

Join Betty Jean Kerr People's Health Centers and make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families throughout the St. Louis area. As a mission-driven healthcare organization, we are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to those who need it most. We offer rewarding healthcare careers, competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive, collaborative culture. If you are seeking a career that provides purpose and opportunity, Betty Jean Kerr People's Health Centers is the place to grow, make a difference, and build a rewarding future.

Employee Perks

• Affordable Medical & Prescription Drug Benefits
• Healthcare/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Dental & Vision
• PTO & Sick Time Accrual
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 401K Employer Match up to 4%
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Employer Paid Long-Term Disability
• Legal Plan/ Plus Parent Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Discount Programs for Travel, Entertainment, Childcare, Auto & More

About the Role

As a Dental Hygienist, you will play a critical role in promoting oral health and preventing dental diseases through patient care and education. Your primary focus will be to perform thorough dental cleanings, assess patients' oral health, and assist dentists in delivering comprehensive dental treatments. You will work closely with patients of all ages, providing personalized guidance on oral hygiene practices and preventive care. This role requires a compassionate approach to patient interaction, ensuring comfort and understanding throughout each visit. Ultimately, your expertise will contribute significantly to improving patients' overall dental health and well-being.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited program.
• Valid state licensure to practice as a Dental Hygienist.
• Certification in local anesthesia administration as required by state regulations.
• Demonstrated proficiency in dental hygiene procedures and patient care.
• Strong manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in pediatric dentistry or with diverse patient populations.
• Additional certifications in teeth whitening or cosmetic dental procedures.
• Familiarity with dental assisting techniques to support comprehensive dental care.
• Continuing education credits in advanced dental hygiene practices.
• Experience with patient education program development.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed oral health assessments including examination of teeth and gums to identify signs of disease or abnormalities.
• Perform professional dental cleanings, including scaling and polishing to remove plaque, tartar, and stains.
• Administer local anesthesia and apply preventive materials such as sealants and fluoride treatments as needed.
• Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, dietary choices, and preventive dental care tailored to individual needs.
• Assist dentists during procedures by preparing instruments, managing patient comfort, and maintaining a sterile environment.
• Maintain accurate and detailed patient records documenting treatments, observations, and progress.
• Stay current with advancements in dental hygiene practices and participate in continuing education opportunities.
• Provide specialized care and education for pediatric patients, ensuring a positive and reassuring experience.

Skills

The required skills such as dentistry knowledge, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity are essential for performing precise dental cleanings and administering treatments safely and effectively. Proficiency in local anesthesia ensures patient comfort during procedures, while expertise in dental care and teeth whitening allows for a broad range of preventive and cosmetic services. Patient education skills are critical for communicating oral health practices clearly and empathetically, fostering patient compliance and long-term wellness. Experience in pediatrics enables the hygienist to tailor care approaches to younger patients, ensuring a positive dental experience. Additionally, dental assisting skills support seamless collaboration with dentists, enhancing overall treatment efficiency and patient satisfaction.