Christ Health Center Inc·Birmingham, Alabama
The Dental Hygienist provides essential oral health services including cleaning, screenings, and radiographic studies to promote optimal patient health. They are also responsible for maintaining dental equipment and providing oral health education to the community.
Description Christ Health Center is seeking a skilled and compassionate Dental Hygienist who is committed to promoting optimal oral health and educating patients in a supportive, mission-driven environment. The Dental Hygienist supports optimal oral health by providing dental debridement and prophylaxis; conducting oral cancer screenings and radiographic studies; charting conditions of decay and periodontal disease; applying dental sealants and preventive agents; and performing all procedures in compliance with the applicable Dental Practice Act and established clinical standards.
Cleans calculus deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums using dental instruments. Examines gums using periodontal probes to identify recession and signs of periodontal disease. Palpates lymph nodes under the patient’s chin to detect swelling or tenderness that may indicate oral cancer. Applies fluoride and other cavity-preventive agents to arrest dental decay. Exposes and processes dental radiographs in accordance with safety standards. Reviews and records patient medical histories. Charts conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by the dentist. Maintains dental equipment and ensures instruments are sharpened, sterilized, and properly stored. Performs monthly spore testing and autoclave maintenance in accordance with infection control standards. Provides clinical services and oral health education to promote and maintain the oral health of patients and the community. Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor. As a vital member of Christ Health, participates in the patient care team and daily huddles as deemed necessary by the Core Care Team to ensure coordinated, high-quality care.
Required Skills/Abilities Knowledge of general principles of dentistry and advanced knowledge of dental hygiene. Strong customer service skills Bi-lingual in Spanish is preferred Requires clarity and accuracy of writing and verbal presentation; and interpersonal communication skills Requires attention to detail, effective organization skills, ability to work in a fast-paced situation and ability to self-direct with minimal supervision Education & Experience Associates degree or the successful completion of a recognized vocational program in dental hygiene. Alabama State Hygiene license required. Minimum of three to five years of clinical experience is preferred Current Infectious Control Certification or verification of participation in recent classroom course Current BLS/ACLS Certification required Physical Requirements Ability to perform clinical duties requiring prolonged periods of standing, sitting, bending, and leaning. Ability to stoop, reach, and grasp using arms and hands, demonstrating fine motor skills and manual dexterity necessary to operate dental instruments and communicate effectively with patients and team members. Ability to lift, carry, and/or move up to 20 pounds as necessary to perform job-related tasks. Ability to position patients and equipment safely during treatment procedures. Ability to use a keyboard and visualize a computer monitor to enter and transform words or data. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. OSHA personal exposure risk category I & II Airborne personal exposure risk category I (Possible exposure of the healthcare worker to patients capable of transmitting M. tuberculosis). Universal precautions will be adhered to at all times.
Market context
Dental hygienist roles in Alabama are typically tied to steady patient demand in dental practices, where licensed clinicians with strong detail and communication skills are often sought. Competition can be strongest for candidates who can work well with dentists and support staff while balancing clinical precision and patient education. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform, then confirm your Alabama license status and prepare examples of collaborative patient care before applying.