About

• The Dental Hygienist plays a critical role in delivering preventive oral health care and education to patients in a community health setting. This position provides clinical hygiene services, supports dentists during procedures, and promotes a collaborative, team-oriented environment to ensure high-quality, patient-centered care.

• ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• CLINICAL CARE & PATIENT EDUCATION

• * Perform oral hygiene assessments and record findings in the patient’s dental record.
• * Provide preventive dental services, including prophylaxis, scaling, sealant application, and fluoride treatments, in compliance with Connecticut Dental Practice Act and center protocols.
• * Take and process dental radiographs (X-rays) as directed by the dentist.
• * Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and provide individualized counseling.
• * Conduct oral cancer screenings and periodontal charting.
• * Organize treatment rooms for each patient, ensuring instruments, records, and materials are prepared.

• COMPLIANCE & INFECTION CONTROL

• * Disinfect and sterilize instruments according to CDC, OSHA, and ADA standards.
• * Maintain treatment areas and equipment in compliance with infection control and safety protocols.
• * Adhere to HIPAA and confidentiality requirements when documenting patient care.

• TEAM-ORIENTED RESPONSIBILITIES

• * Collaborate effectively with dentists, dental assistants, and administrative staff to ensure smooth patient flow and integrated care.
• * Participate in team meetings, quality improvement initiatives, and staff training sessions.
• * Demonstrate flexibility by assisting with front desk or dental assistant duties when needed.
• * Exhibit professionalism, empathy, and respect in all interactions with patients and colleagues.

• COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• * Assist with outreach activities, health fairs, and educational programs to promote oral health awareness.
• * Provide culturally competent care to diverse populations and address barriers to oral health access.

• OTHER DUTIES

• * Perform independent procedures as delegated by the dentist in accordance with state law.
• * Provide on-call support for dental patients as required.
• * Complete other tasks as assigned by the Dentist or Manager.

• EDUCATION & TRAINING

• * Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program.
• * Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with healthcare team members.
• * Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

• LICENSURE & CREDENTIALS

• * Unrestricted license to practice dental hygiene in the State of Connecticut.
• * Current CPR/BLS certification.
• * Local anesthesia certification preferred.

• SKILLS & ABILITIES

• * Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• * Ability to work independently and as part of a team-oriented environment.
• * Problem-solving skills and adaptability in a fast-paced clinical setting.

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• * Manual dexterity and ability to perform repetitive tasks.
• * Ability to stand for extended periods and perform light lifting.

• DISCLAIMER

• This job description is not intended to cover all duties, responsibilities, or activities required of the employee. Duties may change or be assigned at any time without notice.

About Family Centers

• Family Centers is a private, nonprofit organization offering health, education and human service program to children, adults and families in Fairfield County. Our team includes 300 professionals and over 500+ trained volunteers collaborate to provide our communities with a wide range of responsive and innovative services. Through our comprehensive network of services, more than 23,000 children, adults, families and communities receive the care, encouragement and resources needed to realize their potential. 

Rewards

• Salary commensurate with experience. A suite of benefits including generous paid time off, medical, dental, vision, tax-free spending accounts, disability, life and AD&D insurance. Additional benefits include an employee assistance plan, pet insurance, critical accident and illness, wellness services, tuition assistance, and retirement savings.  The opportunity to work for an employer consistently rated one of the Top Workplaces in Western Connecticut by Hearst Connecticut Media and a perfect 100 Encompass rating by Charity Navigator 10. 

• For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.familycenters.org/ [https://www.familycenters.org/]  or on our LinkedIn page

• Family Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers a competitive salary, training, and generous benefits package.