Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic, www.brfdc.org
Position Title: Dental Hygienist
Reports To: Clinical Director
Please send resume and professional references to Michele Coward, michele.brfdc@gmail.com .
Do you love to give back to the local community and provide care to those in need?
The Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic is seeking a Registered Dental Hygienist for its well-regarded nonprofit free dental clinic in the Western North Carolina mountains. Located in Cashiers, NC, the Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic's mission is to deliver high-quality emergency, restorative, and preventative dental care to people who cannot otherwise afford these critically needed services. We restore lives—one tooth at a time. Being a part of our Clinic will allow for a direct impact into the lives of people that need it most.
We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits package, flexible scheduling, and a supportive and collaborative work environment.
Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic is a rural, safety-net clinic and is an eligible worksite for the North Carolina Office of Rural Health’s Loan Repayment Program. Learn more here.
The Registered Dental Hygienist position may evolve into a Program Director position, allowing you to expand your role at our Clinic and expand your impact in our oral health community.
History
For 20 years, the Clinic has developed best practices that contribute to patient wellness, oral health equity, operational efficiencies, and a decrease in dental disease in five western North Carolina counties. Since its beginning, the Clinic has performed over 76,000 procedures over 23,000 patient visits with a value exceeding $11 million dollars. No other dental care provider in WNC offers comprehensive care—including emergency, restorative and preventative services—at absolutely no cost to the patient. While most of the patients who come to the Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic are in pain with an urgent need, our comprehensive model of care goes far beyond emergency extractions. Currently, 25 volunteer dentists, one registered dental hygienist, and three dental assistants restore hundreds of smiles each year. This team is also active in our schools and community. They provide education, dental screenings, and fluoride treatments to students with a goal to end the generational cycle of poor oral health that exists in our mountain communities.
Position Summary
The Registered Dental Hygienist is responsible for providing high-quality preventive dental care, patient education, and supporting the clinical team in delivering exceptional oral health services. The ideal candidate is compassionate, detail-oriented, and committed to improving patients’ overall health through dental hygiene care.
________________________________________
Key Responsibilities
● Perform dental cleanings (prophylaxis, scaling and root planing)
● Conduct patient assessments, including medical histories and periodontal charting
● Take dental radiographs (X-rays)
● Apply preventive materials such as sealants and fluoride treatments
● Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and overall oral health
● Assist the dentist with exams and treatment planning
● Identify and report signs of oral disease, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral abnormalities
● Maintain accurate and thorough patient records
● Follow infection control protocols and OSHA guidelines
● Ensure operatory cleanliness and proper sterilization of instruments
● Provide a comfortable, positive experience for patients
________________________________________
Qualifications
● Active Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) license in North Carolina
● Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program
● Current CPR certification
● Local anesthesia certification (preferred)
● Strong knowledge of dental procedures, instruments, and patient care
________________________________________
Skills & Attributes
● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
● Gentle and patient-focused approach to care
● Strong attention to detail and time management
● Ability to work effectively in a team environment
● Commitment to patient education and preventive care