Dental Hygienist

Did you become a hygienist because you wanted to improve people’s health.... not simply move from one prophy to the next?

At The Local Dentist, our hygienists are respected as healthcare providers and essential members of the diagnostic and treatment team. We are looking for an exceptional hygienist who wants to grow clinically, contribute meaningfully, earn excellent compensation, and work alongside people who genuinely care about one another.

Our practice focuses on comprehensive, relationship-based dentistry with an emphasis on periodontal health, oral-systemic wellness, airway and sleep health, restorative care, prevention, and patient education.

This is an opportunity for a hygienist who wants more variety, greater clinical involvement, ongoing education, and a clear pathway to increase both knowledge and income over time.

What Makes This Position Different

You will have the opportunity to grow in areas such as:

• Oral-systemic health
• Advanced periodontal diagnosis and therapy
• Airway and sleep-disordered breathing
• Myofunctional concepts
• Laser bacterial reduction and adjunctive periodontal therapies
• Restorative hygiene, if licensed and interested
• Intraoral scanning and digital technology
• Patient education and collaborative case presentation
• Leadership within a growing hygiene department

You will not be treated as someone whose only role is to “clean teeth.” We expect our hygienists to assess, diagnose within their scope, educate, collaborate, and help patients understand the connection between their oral health and overall health.

A Culture Built Around Growth

We believe great clinicians should continue developing throughout their careers.

Our team participates in regular:

• On-site clinical and leadership training
• Continuing-education events
• Team development days
• Destination trainings and retreats
• Coaching in communication, systemic health, airway management, and case presentation
• Opportunities to expand clinical skills and leadership responsibilities

We want each team member to become more capable, more confident, and more valuable every year—and to see that growth reflected in their compensation and opportunities.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive hourly compensation of $70 , depending on experience and expanded skills
• Daily and monthly performance bonus opportunities
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays and birthday
• Direct primary care membership
• Catastrophic and emergency medical coverage
• Monthly healthcare support
• Complimentary dental care
• Complimentary membership to Barkley Anytime Fitness
• Paid continuing education and team training
• Destination training and team-development opportunities
• No evenings or weekends
• Three- or four-day workweek
• Modern technology and well-equipped operatories

What We Are Looking For:

We are looking for someone who is both an excellent clinician and an excellent person.

The right hygienist:

• Wants to practice at a high clinical level
• Cares deeply about patients and their long-term health
• Communicates confidently, warmly, and clearly
• Understands that education is not “selling”
• Is comfortable discussing periodontal disease and recommended care
• Values accountability and follows through on commitments
• Welcomes coaching and constructive feedback
• Supports teammates without keeping score
• Communicates concerns directly rather than through gossip
• Takes pride in cleanliness, organization, documentation, and timeliness
• Wants to contribute ideas and improve systems
• Enjoys being part of a team that works hard and also has fun together

We do not expect perfection. We do expect humility, honesty, dependability, and a genuine desire to grow.

Clinical Qualifications

• Active Washington State dental hygiene license
• Current CPR certification
• Strong skills in periodontal assessment, radiographs, nonsurgical periodontal therapy, patient education, and clinical documentation
• Confidence communicating findings and collaborating with the dentist
• Restorative endorsement is welcomed but not required
• Previous Oryx experience is helpful but not required; full training will be provided

Teamwork Without Blurred Boundaries

Everyone on our team helps when needed, but we are not hiring a hygienist to routinely serve as a receptionist, marketing coordinator, sterilization technician, or dental assistant.

We do expect someone who notices when a teammate needs reasonable support, protects the patient experience, and understands that a healthy practice succeeds through collaboration.

Why The Local Dentist?

We are an independent and veteran owned, growing practice that is intentionally building something different in Whatcom County.

We want to elevate the standard of dental care, improve awareness of the oral-systemic connection, and create a workplace where excellent people can build meaningful careers.

We work hard, train consistently, communicate directly, celebrate wins, and invest in our people. Leadership is also expected to receive feedback, take responsibility, and continue improving.

This position is best suited for someone who wants to be challenged, supported, appropriately compensated, and proud of the care they provide.

How to Apply

Please send your résumé and a brief introduction to Callie Smith (info@localdentistbellingham.com).

In your introduction, please answer:

• What does being a healthcare provider mean to you as a dental hygienist?
• What are you hoping to learn or become better at over the next three years?
• What does a healthy, accountable team culture look like to you?

We are looking for more than someone to fill a schedule. We are looking for a long-term teammate who wants to help build something special.

Check out our website at www.localdentistbellingham.com or our social media channels.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $70.00 - $90.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15.0 – 30.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Ability to Commute:

• Bellingham, WA 98226 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Bellingham, WA 98226: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $70 - $90