Dental Hygienist Job Description Template (Free, 2026)

Job Title: Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) Department: Clinical / Dental Services Location: [Practice Name], [City, State] Reports To: Lead Dentist / Practice Manager / Clinical Director Employment Type: Full-Time / Part-Time Schedule: [Days and hours, e.g., Monday–Thursday, 8am–5pm; or specify part-time days] About [Practice Name] [Practice Name] is a [general / periodontal / pediatric / multi-specialty] dental practice serving [community name]. We operate [X] operatories and serve [X] patients per week. Our team is committed to providing exceptional, evidence-based dental care in a warm, patient-centered environment. We use [Dentrix / Eaglesoft / Open Dental / Curve Dental – specify] and [digital radiography system] to deliver efficient, modern care. About the Role We are seeking a compassionate, skilled Registered Dental Hygienist to provide comprehensive preventive dental care services to our patients. You will perform prophylaxis, scaling and root planing, radiographs, periodontal assessments, and patient education while delivering exceptional patient experiences. Our hygienists see [X] patients per day with [X]-minute adult and [X]-minute child appointments. Key Responsibilities • Perform complete dental prophylaxis (cleaning) including removal of calculus, plaque, and stains from teeth • Conduct scaling and root planing (SRP) for patients with periodontal disease using hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers • Take and interpret dental radiographs (bitewings, periapicals, panoramic) following ALARA principles and infection control protocols • Perform thorough periodontal assessments including pocket depth measurements, recession charting, mobility scoring, and furcation classification • Apply fluoride treatments, desensitizing agents, and dental sealants as indicated • Screen for oral cancer, document findings, and communicate concerns to the supervising dentist • Provide individualized oral hygiene instruction and patient education on brushing, flossing, diet, and preventive care • Review medical histories, update records, and identify health conditions relevant to dental treatment • Accurately document all treatment, assessments, and patient communications in [Dentrix / Eaglesoft / specify] • Maintain operatory sterilization and infection control standards per OSHA, CDC, and state dental board regulations Required Qualifications • Associate degree or Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from an ADA-accredited program • Active, unencumbered RDH license in [State] • Current CPR/BLS certification • Proficiency with digital radiography and dental software (Dentrix, Eaglesoft, or equivalent) • Strong interpersonal skills for building rapport with patients of all ages and backgrounds Nice to Have • Local anesthesia administration certification (if permitted by state law) • Experience with Arestin, PerioChip, or other adjunctive periodontal therapies • Familiarity with Invisalign or clear aligner monitoring workflows • Bilingual or multilingual skills that serve our patient community What We Offer • Salary: $65,000 – $95,000/year (or $38–$52/hour) based on experience (2026 benchmark) • Health, dental, and vision benefits (full-time) • 401(k) with employer match • PTO and paid holidays • CE allowance for continuing education and license renewal • Modern equipment including digital radiography, ultrasonic scaler, and intraoral cameras • Supportive team culture with low drama and consistent scheduling Salary Range: $65,000 – $95,000/year (US, 2026 benchmark) [Practice Name] is an equal opportunity employer committed to patient-centered care and a positive team environment.