Dental Hygienist - full or part time - multiple locations

Welcome to Cherry Health - video about Cherry Health

We’re always looking for talented and dedicated Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH) to join our team! Whether you're seeking full-time or part-time opportunities, we have positions available to fit your needs. As a key member of our dental practice, you will be responsible for providing high-quality preventative dental care to our patients. Your role will include performing dental cleanings, taking X-rays, educating patients on oral health, and assisting the dentist in various procedures. If you have a passion for improving oral health and providing exceptional care, we would love to hear from you. Typical schedule (may be subject to change) is Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Overview of Position:

The Registered Dental Hygienist is responsible for performing all tasks associated with a dental hygiene role within a preventive and maintenance dental program. Working under the PA-161 Public Dental Prevention Program, the hygienist provides preventive care with minimal dentist oversight. This position requires adherence to organizational policies, ethical standards, and licensing requirements, while upholding the organization’s mission in all actions and communications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform Dental Hygiene Procedures:
  • Clean and polish teeth, remove calculus deposits, and stains from teeth and beneath gums.
  • Apply topical fluoride treatments.
  • Chart existing oral conditions for diagnosis by the dentist.
  • Apply pit and fissure sealants under dentist approval.
  • Expose and mount dental radiographs.
     
• Patient Education and Documentation:
  • Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, plaque removal, and preventive care.
  • Record patient information accurately in electronic health records.
  • Initiate ongoing patient recall systems for maintenance of oral health.
     
• Clinical Support and Sterilization:
  • Administer nitrous oxide and local anesthesia when directed by a dentist.
  • Organize, clean, and sterilize dental tools and instruments.
  • Test water lines for bacterial counts.
  • Sharpen dental instruments as needed.
     
• Compliance and Continuous Learning:
  • Adhere to compliance standards as specified in the Corporate Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest Policy.
  • Stay current with federal, state, and company regulations and policies.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or director.
     

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities:

• Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR training as required by licensure.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to interact with patients from diverse backgrounds and maintain professionalism.
• Patient Care: Ability to perform routine dental care tasks effectively and ensure patient comfort.
• Cultural Competence: Ability to work with individuals from various cultural backgrounds and communicate effectively.
• Adaptability: Ability to travel occasionally between different Cherry Health sites based on business needs.
• Confidentiality: Maintain agency and patient confidentiality at all times.
   

Key Values:

• Customer Service
• Collaboration
• Integrity
• Respect
• Professionalism
• Learning
   

Education / Licenses / Certificates:

• Required:
  • State of Michigan dental hygiene license.
  • Degree from an accredited dental hygiene school.

Experience:

One year of experience working in a dental practice is preferred.
 

Equipment / Tools / Technology:

• Desktop or laptop computers.
• Networked copier, printer, facsimile.
• Microsoft Office applications (Mail, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Cavitron ultrasonic scaler.
• Autoclave sterilization equipment.
• Hand tools, X-ray equipment.
   

Physical Requirements:

• Standing: More than ⅔ of the time.
• Sitting: Less than ⅓ of the time.
• Independently mobile (e.g., movement between floors): More than ⅔ of the time.
• Grasping (applying pressure to objects): More than ⅔ of the time.
• Finger Use (pinching, typing): More than ⅔ of the time.
• Reaching with arms above head or full extension: Less than ⅓ of the time.
• Stooping, crouching, or bending: Less than ⅓ of the time.
• Kneeling or crawling: Less than ⅓ of the time.
• Repetitive hand or body motions: More than ⅔ of the time.
• Vision (near vision for patient service): More than ⅔ of the time.
• Hearing: More than ⅔ of the time.
• Speaking: More than ⅔ of the time.
• Pushing or pulling: Less than ⅓ of the time.
• Sedentary work (lifting no more than 10 lbs): Less than ⅓ of the time.
• Light work (lifting up to 20 lbs): More than ⅓ of the time.
• Medium work (lifting up to 50 lbs): Less than ⅓ of the time.
   

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required.
 

Environmental Factors / Working Conditions:

• Indoor office environment: More than ⅔ of the time.
• Outdoor weather conditions: Less than ⅓ of the time.
• Exposure to fumes or airborne particles: Less than ⅓ of the time.
• Exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals: Less than ⅓ of the time.
• Exposure to blood, bodily fluids, or infection: More than ⅓ of the time.
• Exposure to radiation: Less than ⅓ of the time.
   

Other Requirements of the Position:

• Travel: Occasional travel to other Cherry Health locations as required.
• Work Shifts: Occasionally work during off-hours, nights, or weekends, as needed.
• Uniform: Scrubs are required.
• Patient Interaction: Frequent interaction with patients/clients.
   

Supervision and Reporting:

• Supervision Received: The Registered Dental Hygienist works independently with minimal supervision, with work progress checked occasionally or upon completion.
• Supervision Given: This is a non-supervisory role.
   

Client Population Served:

The Registered Dental Hygienist may serve all patient populations, including pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
 

Accommodations:

The essential functions of this position must be able to be accomplished with or without accommodations.

Who we are:

Cherry Health, Michigan’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), operates in six counties across the state, is based in Grand Rapids. With a team of more than 800 health care professionals at 20 locations, Cherry Health focuses on removing barriers, expanding access, and delivering comprehensive quality health care services to underserved communities, regardless of an individual’s insurance status or ability to pay. We provide primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy services, substance abuse services, residential re-entry services, school-based health centers and more.

Our Mission: 

Cherry Health improves the health and wellness of individuals by providing comprehensive primary and behavioral health care while encouraging access by those who are underserved.

Our Vision: 

Our community will be healthier because we will seek out and welcome those who need our services. All will be treated as family with integrated, coordinated care to improve health and personal well-being.

Our Values:

• Collaboration – Support the Cherry Health mission by encouraging teamwork to accomplish organizational goals.
• Customer Service – Serve internal and external customers in a welcoming manner with compassionate care.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Build a stronger culture through treating all patients and staff with respect, dignity and compassion.
• Innovation – Embrace creativity to improve patient care and workplace efficiency while remaining curious and open to learning.
• Integrity – Uphold the highest ethical standards by being honest and trustworthy.
• Professionalism – Create a positive work environment where we care accountable for our decision, our action and the results.

Benefits:

Cherry Health has excellent benefit offerings dependent on employment status.  Check out a sample of the benefits available to our team members below!

• Loan repayment through the NHSC and Michigan State Loan Repayment Program for select roles
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your family
• Generous Paid Time Off benefit – 4 weeks per year for full time
• Paid holidays - 8 full day paid holidays (Including Black Friday!) and 2 half day paid holidays!
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with generous employer match - $ for $ match up to 5% 
• MET and MESP 529 Savings Plans
• Pet Insurance!
• Employee Assistance Program  

Our policy is to offer all employees and applicants for employment equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, or any other protected category.