Help Build Something That Matters Amador Health Center is seeking an experienced and motivated Registered Dental Hygienist with current New Mexico Collaborative Practice certification to lead the development of our new preventive dental hygiene program. This is a unique opportunity to build a dental program from the ground up within a mission-driven Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). We're looking for someone who is excited about helping shape clinical operations, develop workflows, establish best practices, and create a program that will improve access to oral healthcare for underserved communities throughout Southern New Mexico. If you've ever wanted the opportunity to build something rather than simply join an existing practice, we'd love to talk with you. Amador Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center serving Doña Ana County and surrounding communities through integrated primary care, behavioral health, women's health, pharmacy, recovery services, and care coordination. We believe oral health is an essential component of whole-person healthcare and are excited to launch our preventive dental hygiene program. Position Summary The Registered Dental Hygienist will serve as the clinical lead for Amador's preventive dental program, providing comprehensive preventive oral healthcare under a Collaborative Practice Agreement, and will help establish clinical workflows, quality standards, patient education initiatives, and operational processes. This position offers significant professional autonomy and the opportunity to work closely with organizational leadership in developing a sustainable, patient-centered oral health program. Responsibilities Provide comprehensive preventive dental hygiene services. Perform oral health assessments, periodontal evaluations, prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance, scaling and root planing, fluoride treatments, sealants, and other authorized preventive procedures. Obtain and evaluate diagnostic radiographs. Provide individualized patient education regarding oral hygiene and the relationship between oral and overall health. Coordinate referrals for restorative and specialty dental care. Collaborate with medical, behavioral health, pharmacy, and care coordination teams to support whole-person care. Assist in developing clinical workflows, policies, protocols, and quality improvement initiatives. Participate in community outreach and oral health education activities. Assist with selecting equipment, supplies, and clinical resources. Help recruit, train, and mentor Dental Assistants as the program expands. Minimum Qualifications Graduate of an accredited Dental Hygiene program. Current New Mexico Registered Dental Hygienist license in good standing. Current New Mexico Collaborative Practice Dental Hygienist certification. Current radiography certification. Current certification to administer local anesthesia, if required for assigned duties. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers. Preferred Qualifications Experience practicing under a Collaborative Practice Agreement. Experience establishing or expanding a preventive dental hygiene program. Experience in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Community Health Center, public health clinic, school-based program, or similar safety-net setting. Experience with electronic dental records and digital radiography. Experience with quality improvement, infection prevention, and population health initiatives. Experience providing culturally responsive care to medically underserved or vulnerable populations. Bilingual English/Spanish. Why Join Amador? Opportunity to build and lead a new preventive dental program. Mission-driven organization serving our community. Integrated healthcare team focused on whole-person care. Supportive leadership committed to innovation and quality. Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package. Opportunity to make a lasting impact on access to oral healthcare in Southern New Mexico. If you're passionate about preventive dentistry, enjoy building new programs, and want to help shape the future of oral healthcare in our community, we encourage you to apply. Submit a letter of Interest and a resume. Amador Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace.

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Language:

Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

New Mexico license/certification (Required)

Work Location:

In person