Community Outreach Dental Hygienist

Rural Health Group is seeking a full-time Community Outreach Dental Hygienist to provide preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene services in our dental clinics, School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs), and Mobile Dental Unit throughout Northeastern North Carolina. The Community Outreach Dental Hygienist will provide high-quality oral healthcare services to patients of all ages while supporting Rural Health Group's mission of improving access to care in underserved communities. This is a full-time position with a regular Monday-Friday schedule, typically consisting of five workdays per week with shifts of approximately 7-8 hours per day. While many dental hygiene positions require four 10-hour workdays, this role offers shorter daily shifts and a consistent weekday schedule while serving patients across traditional dental clinics, school-based health centers, the Mobile Dental Unit and community outreach settings. The Community Outreach Dental Hygienist will work collaboratively with dentists, dental assistants, providers, school personnel and community partners to promote oral health and deliver exceptional patient care. Duties and Responsibilities Provide preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene services to patients of all ages. Perform oral health assessments and screenings. Complete dental prophylaxis, scaling and root planing, fluoride varnish applications, sealants, and periodontal maintenance procedures. Take and process dental radiographs in accordance with state regulations and organizational policies. Administer local anesthesia as permitted by North Carolina regulations. Deliver oral health education, nutritional counseling, and preventive care instruction to patients, parents, caregivers, and community groups. Provide services under Public Health Dental Hygiene Standing Orders as authorized by Rural Health Group and North Carolina regulations. Assist in identifying patients requiring restorative, specialty, or emergency dental treatment and facilitate referrals when appropriate. Document patient care accurately and completely in the electronic dental record. Maintain compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, infection control, and organizational policies and procedures. Participate in community outreach activities, health fairs, school programs, and oral health education events. Travel between Rural Health Group dental clinics, School-Based Health Centers, and Mobile Dental Unit locations as assigned. Assist with Mobile Dental Unit operations, including equipment setup, breakdown, inventory management, and supply monitoring. Support quality improvement initiatives and performance measures. Attend required meetings, trainings, and continuing education programs. Perform other duties as assigned. Successful candidate must demonstrate the Rural Health Group Core Competencies, which include: Good Judgment Communication/Customer Service/Teamwork Passion Honesty Responsibility Job-Specific Skill Set - including knowledge, skills, and ability to fulfill the responsibilities of a Dental Hygienist. Requirements Graduation from an accredited Dental Hygiene program. Current North Carolina Dental Hygienist License in good standing. Current CPR certification. Current Local Anesthesia Certification or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire. Completion of North Carolina Public Health Dental Hygienist Training or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire. Five (5) years of experience in dental hygiene, public health, community health, school-based programs or health education preferred, but not required. Current Public Health Dental Hygienist certification preferred, but not required. Ability to provide care to pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. Must be comfortable providing care to pediatric patients, including children ages 0-20, as a significant portion of services will be delivered in school-based and community settings. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, coworkers, providers, schools, and community partners. Proficiency with electronic dental records, Microsoft Office applications, and standard office equipment. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus, but not required. Applicants who may serve in a translating capacity will be required to take a language assessment. Compensation & Benefits RHG offers a competitive rate of pay and full-time, regular employees are eligible to participate in the following insurance plans: medical, dental, life, short term disability, long term disability. The company pays a significant amount towards medical insurance premium. We also offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a company contribution that starts immediately. Rural Health Group is committed to supporting healthcare professionals serving rural communities. As a qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit employer, RHG is eligible for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program . In addition, eligible providers may qualify for state and federal loan repayment and recruitment incentive programs, including those offered through the North Carolina Office of Rural Health and the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) , subject to program eligibility and funding availability. EOE. Federal and State Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screen required for all positions. Influenza vaccine is also a condition of employment.

E-Verify Notice:

After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States.