Hygiene Assistant

Company: Progressive Dental Arts
Location: Glen Mills
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Description The Hygiene Assistant supports the dental hygienist and clinical team by ensuring efficient patient flow, maintaining a clean and organized operatory environment, and delivering exceptional patient experiences. This role includes patient preparation, chairside assistance, sterilization, radiography, and key administrative tasks such as scheduling, managing recall, and maintaining accurate documentation. Success in this position requires strong communication, attention to detail, and a commitment to patient-centered care. Service Delivering patient-centered care by creating a comfortable, informed, and supportive experience throughout every hygiene visit. Greet and prepare patients for hygiene appointments, ensuring comfort and confidence throughout the visit. Review medical histories, update patient records, and take vital signs as needed. Assist with scheduling and rescheduling hygiene appointments to support patient convenience and practice flow. Communicate clearly with patients regarding procedures, post-care instructions, and appointment details. Collaborate with hygienists, dentists, and front desk team members to maintain a smooth, organized patient experience. Mastery Demonstrating strong clinical competency through precise technique, infection control excellence, and skilled support of the hygiene workflow. Assist hygienists chairside by passing instruments, maintaining a clear working field, and supporting preventive procedures. Prepare operatories with proper instruments, materials, and infection-control setups for each patient. Take, process, and upload radiographs in accordance with radiology and safety standards. Ensure images are clear, properly positioned, and free of common errors such as cone cuts, overlapping, shadowing, and visible jewelry. Exhibit proficiency in extraoral and intraoral photography, including but not limited to iTero scans, intraoral camera usage, and other digital imaging tools. Maintain strict compliance with OSHA and CDC infection control guidelines, including instrument sterilization and operatory turnover. Use dental software accurately to update charts, verify records, and keep hygiene documentation organized. Impact Contributing to the practice’s operational success by ensuring efficient patient flow, accurate documentation, and reliable clinical support. Maintain operatory readiness to support productive schedules and reduce downtime. Run and assist with recall reports to support patient retention and keep the hygiene schedule full. Ensure accurate charting, documentation, and radiograph uploads to support strong clinical outcomes. Help reduce no-shows and cancellations through effective confirmations and clear patient communication. Support daily hygiene production goals by anticipating needs and keeping the schedule optimized. Leadership Modeling professionalism, accountability, and teamwork by proactively supporting hygienists and maintaining high standards in the clinical environment. Take initiative to identify workflow or scheduling issues and communicate them proactively to the team. Demonstrate consistent reliability, professionalism, and strong teamwork. Assist with onboarding and training of new hygiene assistants or support staff as directed. Maintain confidentiality, compliance, and a high standard of clinical and administrative integrity. Promote a positive, solutions-focused environment that supports both patients and team members. Elevate Enhancing the patient and team experience through continuous improvement, positive communication, and a commitment to growth. Recommend improvements to hygiene workflows, recall processes, and patient communication practices. Participate in ongoing training to advance clinical and administrative skills. Support a growth-oriented, collaborative practice culture. Share observations that may improve efficiency, patient satisfaction, or hygiene retention. Consistently deliver high-quality work that elevates the overall patient experience. Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent required; completion of a dental assisting program preferred. CPR certification required Radiology certification required; or obtained within 90 days of employment At least 1 year of dental or healthcare experience preferred. Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills. Basic knowledge of dental software, charting systems, and computer applications. Physical Requirements Ability to stand, bend, reach, and move in a clinical environment for extended periods. Manual dexterity to handle instruments, small tools, and equipment safely. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds as needed for supplies and equipment.

Keywords: Progressive Dental Arts, Baltimore , Hygiene Assistant, Healthcare , Glen Mills, Maryland