Registered Dental Hygienist

Overview:
At Local Start Dental, our mission is simple: restoring smiles and confidence for our underserved neighbors while advancing the clinical skills of dental professionals. As a nonprofit organization, we combine compassion with innovation to deliver exceptional care to those who need it most, while offering hands-on training for the next generation of dental specialists.

Located in Durham, NC, we serve patients from across the state—especially those who face significant barriers to care—while also functioning as a training center for dental students, residents, and other professionals seeking advanced clinical experience.

Our practice is looking for an energetic and compassionate hygienist to join our staff. We see patients with complex medical histories and stories. Our goal is to provide the best care for all our patients. We pride ourselves on providing life-changing dentistry for our community. Here, you will feel respected and valued as a vital part of the team. You have the support of the staff and the dentists to do what is best for your patients.

Major Responsibilities:
The primary role of the Hygienist is to ensure the best possible dental care and experience for every patient. We are seeking a patient-centered, skilled, and compassionate Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) to join our dedicated team. This individual will play a key role in the clinical care and educational mission of Local Start Dental. The hygienist will deliver high-quality preventive care, support complex treatment planning, and help prepare emerging dental professionals through mentorship and collaborative practice.
1. Driving year-over-year self-sustainment through optimal clinical workflows and clinical excellence.
2. Will comply with local, state, and federal laws, rules and regulations, and clinical best practices.
3. Responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and center rules, regulations, protocols and procedures governing the practice of dentistry and clinical provision of dental care those relating to, but not limited to, personnel issues, workplace safety, public health, and confidentiality.
4. Perform dental hygiene procedures including prophylaxis, gross scaling, periodontal maintenance, scaling and root planning, application of fluoride, and digital radiographs.
5. Attends and participates in staff development such as staff meetings, training, and daily team huddles.
6. Examine patients’ medical records.
7. Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and the importance of routine dental care.
8. Prepare patients for treatment (e.g., by administering local anesthesia)
9. Check teeth, gums and other parts of the mouth, along with X-rays and tests, to diagnose dental problems.
10. Maintain accurate and timely documentation using our electronic health records (EHR) system as well as our AI note taking system.
11. Assist with patient intake, triage, and post-treatment instructions in a trauma-informed and culturally responsive manner.
12. Collaborate closely with dentists, dental assistants, and administrative staff to provide seamless and coordinated care.
13. Follow-up with patients to ensure each patient gets the treatment they need and has an optimal patient experience.
14. Support the education experience of dental students and residents, when appropriate, through clinical demonstration, guidance, and mentorship.
15. Uphold infection control and sterilization standards in compliance with OSHA, CDC and North Carolina Dental Board regulations.
16. Participate in quality improvement efforts, community outreach, and other mission-aligned initiatives.
17. Provide effective, direct, and in-the-moment feedback to staff and leadership to identify and implement opportunities for improvement.
18. Keep commitments and keep director supervisor(s) informed of work progress timetables and issues.
19. Maintains an appropriate professional appearance and demeanor in accordance with company policies.
20. Addresses others professionally and respectfully.
21. Maintain a clean, sterile environment in accordance with the American Dental Association guidelines.
22. Participates in or leads daily morning huddles, monthly team meetings and any other meetings as required.
23. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required:
• Current North Carolina Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) license in good standing
• Current CPR/BLS certification
• Minimum 1 year of experience preferred; new graduates with strong clinical skills and mission alignment are welcome to apply
• Experience working with underserved populations or in nonprofit settings is highly valued
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and team collaboration skills
• Commitment to health equity, patient dignity, and professional development

Please do not call or email the office to apply.

Please use the "APPLY" button below to express your interest and provide a resume if you have one.

Local Start Dental is a not-for-profit 501 c3, state-of-the-art and on-site denture fabrication clinic. We specialize in dental prosthetics—dentures and dental implants. Our dentists are specialists (Prosthodontists) that have years of advanced training in leading dental schools. We have the most advanced imaging system available for scanning the mouth, and all tooth replacement and extraction services are performed in our practice. State-of-the-art digital technology ensures excellent fit and function of every denture, and dentures are custom crafted on-site by a Certified Dental Technician.

Disposable gowns, Face shields, Latex gloves, N95 masks, Regular masks