Overview

As a Dental Hygienist with our team, you'll be a vital partner in advancing community health by delivering compassionate, high-quality preventive oral care. In this dynamic role, you'll provide comprehensive hygiene services, collaborate closely with dentists during clinical procedures, and build trusting relationships with patients through education and support. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact, working in a supportive, team-driven environment, and helping patients achieve lifelong oral wellness, we invite you to bring your expertise to our mission-driven organization.
This is a full-time position based on a 30 hours/week schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:00am-5:00pm, plus one half-day per week on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

Responsibilities

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.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program.
• Unrestricted license to practice dental hygiene in the State of Connecticut.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team-oriented environment, establishing and maintaining effective professional relationships with healthcare team members.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; bilingual (Spanish) a plus.
• Availability to work Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.

• Current CPR/BLS certification.
• Local anesthesia certification preferred.

• 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.

Compensation

$90,000 annually

Benefits and Perks

At Family Centers, we believe in taking care of our compassionate staff who care for our community. We offer a comprehensive benefits package carefully designed to support staff health, financial wellbeing, and work-life balance. We are committed to fostering a supportive, mission-driven environment where employees feel valued, supported, and able to build lasting careers.

Full-time employees enjoy:

• Generous Paid Time Off - 15 vacation days annually (increases to 25 days after 10 years), 11 paid holidays, up to 3 personal days, and up to 10 sick days. PTO will be prorated to work schedule.
• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage Options
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with monthly employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care & Dependent Care)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to 6% employer contribution
• Employer-Paid Long-Term Disability, Life & AD&D Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support
• Voluntary Opt-In Benefits including Critical Illness Insurance, Pet Insurance, supplemental Life Insurance, and more
• Tuition Assistance (eligible to apply after 6 months of service)

Family Centers has consistently been recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Western Connecticut by Hearst Connecticut Media and holds a perfect 100 Encompass rating from Charity Navigator.