Dental Hygienist

Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires (ViM) is a free health care center providing care to those in the region who are income-qualified and ineligible for health insurance.

ViM is a mission-driven, not-for-profit organization with passionate volunteers, generous donors, and a dedicated staff. We are seeking a community health worker who shares our passion for our mission and who will become a contributing member of the Patient Services team.

The Opportunity
Reporting to the Dental Practice Manager, the primary purpose of this position is to provide preventive dental care and oral health education to patients while supporting volunteer dentists and the overall mission of the VIM dental program. Staff and volunteer clinicians, with the assistance of language interpreters, treat immediate clinical concerns. We offer as many services as possible in one visit, including medical, dental, optometry, behavioral health, integrated pain management, and women’s health. If a patient needs additional care outside of our office, we arrange it and coordinate closely with the provider. The position is part-time, non-exempt, and paid hourly with the benefits of paid time off and 401(k) matched contributions. Because it is part of a small department in a dynamic organization that is highly visible in the community, the person in this position has great potential for success, growth, and professional fulfillment.

This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to grow your skills within a collaborative and patient-focused setting that offers a warm culture with hours that are limited to weekdays. No evenings or weekends are required. Our patients, volunteers and staff make ViM one of the best places to work in the Berkshires.

Primary responsibilities
Provide direct patient care within scope of practice
Perform dental cleanings (prophylaxis and periodontal maintenance)
Conduct oral health assessments and screenings
Take and review patient medical and dental histories
Identify conditions requiring dentist evaluation
Perform and interpret dental x-rays (as licensed)
Apply fluoride treatments, sealants, and other preventive measures
Assist dentist during procedures when needed
Prepare and present patient findings to dentist
Coordinate patient care with dental team
Prepare treatment room and maintain infection control
Set up and break down operatory for each patient
Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment
Ensure compliance with OSHA and infection control standards
Monitor and maintain hygiene supplies and materials
Develop and maintain patient charts and records
Accurately document patient assessments and treatments
Record periodontal charting and findings
Maintain detailed, up-to-date patient files
Ensure proper coding and documentation of services provided
Provide patient education and communication
Educate patients on oral hygiene, disease prevention, and treatment plans
Discuss home care instructions and follow-up needs
Communicate findings and recommendations clearly and compassionately
Coordinate patient care and scheduling support
Assist with triage prioritization for hygiene services
Maintain patient recall and preventive care schedules
Identify patients needing additional or urgent care
Ensure patients have required medical clearance
Use and maintain dental equipment
Ensure hygiene instruments and equipment are in proper working order
Monitor maintenance needs and coordinate service when necessary
Maintain compliance with safety and operational standards
Other responsibilities
Provide other necessary assistance to the VIM dental program, as required
Support clinic flow, efficiency, and volunteer coordination
Participate in outreach and patient engagement activities, as appropriate
Provide general assistance in all VIM-related activities as necessary and appropriate
Ability to speak Spanish, Portuguese or French is a plus.

About ViM
Since opening our doors in 2004, Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires has grown into the region’s premier free health care center — and a nationally recognized model for mission-driven community care. We provide free, comprehensive, high-quality care for patients in the region who are income-qualified and ineligible for health insurance.

With more than 170 clinical and nonclinical volunteers, ViM provides primary care, dentistry, women’s health, optometry, behavioral therapy, and more, all under one roof. ViM also collaborates with community partners such as schools, local government, housing agencies and other nonprofits to address non-medical factors that contribute to good health, including food and housing insecurity, workforce development and training, and childcare.

Our work has earned national recognition, including the Gold Medal Award from the Henry Schein Cares Foundation and an Excellence in Innovation nomination from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network. Two of our founding physicians have been named Senior Volunteer Physician of the Year by the Massachusetts Medical Society, and one recently received the American Medical Association’s Excellence in Volunteerism award.

Pay: $40.00 - $45.00 per hour
Expected hours: 20.0 – 25.0 per week
Benefits:
401(k)
Flexible schedule
Paid time off
Work Location: In person