DENTAL HYGIENIST

At ANHC, we believe everyone deserves high-quality, respectful, and compassionate care, regardless of their ability to pay. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, we serve a diverse patient population with a commitment to health equity and community well-being.

Our culture is grounded in our core values: Respect, Compassion, Personal Integrity, Excellence, and Collaborative Spirit. These values guide how we care for our patients and how we treat one another. We foster a supportive, team-orientated environment where every voice is heard, diversity is celebrated, and staff are empowered to grow and make meaningful contributions. At ANHC, you’ll be part of a mission-driven team that shows up every day with purpose, heart, and a deep commitment to the community we serve.                                                               

The Dental Hygienist is responsible for treating and educating patients in the control and prevention of oral disease such as caries (cavities) and periodontal (gum) disease through proper oral hygiene and regular professional care.

• Reviews patient medical and dental history with the patient for currency and accuracy.
• Gives direct patient care by providing thorough and gentle prophylaxis, fluoride treatment, sealants, patient education, periodontal examinations, periodontal scaling and root planning, selective polishing, overhang removal, application of desensitizing agents, oral cancer examination.
• Takes blood sugar (when appropriate), and blood pressure on all adult patients and records in the chart.
• Takes and processes several types of dental x-rays.
• Practices within the scope of education, training, and personal capabilities.
• Uses local anesthetic as needed for patient comfort.
• Check on patient comfort during treatment; helps allay patient anxiety.
• Communicates with patients in an understandable and professional way.
• Responsible for clinical dental health education activities.
• Recognizes and responds to emergencies.
• Charts dental examinations in Dentrix.
• Updates patient health history in Dentrix.
• Makes accurate chart notes in Dentrix including the next visit and time needed.
• Charts and dates each patient’s periodontal health.
• Records accurate notes and initial entries on the provided treatment.
• Collaborates with dentist when the case is appropriate for referral.
• Communicates with the assistants in keeping inventory stocked and ordered.
• Uses appropriate procedural coding.
• Complies with “Universal Precautions” for infection control.
• Maintains and fully understands the importance of patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
• Follows job related Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Center for Disease Control and Prevention requirements.
• Functions at all times in a safe and professional manner.
• Keeps accurate patient records, contacts patients for periodic cleaning, and answers patients' questions on dental hygiene.

• Assists in maintenance of equipment.
• Assists with inventory control.
• May perform dental assistant duties as needed.

• Competitive Salary and Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b) with employer match, and more)
• 7 Paid Holidays + 1 floating holiday per fiscal year
• Generous PTO accrual
• Continuing education and professional development reimbursement
• Mission-driven work that supports your growth and well-being.
• Collaborative team that values respect, compassion, and integrity.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. 

Work Experience: Must have two full years’ experience as a dental hygienist.

Education, Certification and Licensure: BS degree from an accredited college or university with a major in dental hygiene or a bachelor's degree supplemented by completion of training in an accredited school of dental hygiene; or possession of an associate degree from an accredited school of dental hygiene. Must have a State of Alaska dental hygiene license and a State of Alaska Anesthesia license.  Must have and maintain a current Basic Life Support certification.

Additional Skills & Knowledge: Bilingual preferred

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit for long periods of time and crouch in a forward position; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and see, talk or hear.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision acuity, hand-eye coordination, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  The employee must be able to work under stressful conditions and in a confined area with accuracy.

Work is performed in a healthcare clinic and office setting.  ANHC is a tobacco-free campus.

Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Persons alleging unequal treatment should contact the Chief Human Resources Officer.

The undersigned have read this job description and agree that it defines the position as it currently exists.  The undersigned also understands that the above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for this job.  It is not to be considered as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements and does not limit the assignment of additional duties at the discretion of the supervisor.