Better Health Dental Registered Dental Hygienist Decatur, GA · Contractor Company website

Apply for Registered Dental Hygienist

With exceptional customer care as the cornerstone of our practice, we believe that a healthy smile can make all the difference, and we are here to ensure that it is as healthy and beautiful as it can be. At Better Health Dental, we are more than just a dental office - we are a community of professionals dedicated to your well-being, offering a welcoming space where your professional and dental needs are met with compassion and excellence. The mission of Better Health Dental is to offer our local community a dental home where they are treated with respect and compassion in a warm and friendly environment. We value excellence and strive to treat every patient in such a way that when they enter our office they know that they are receiving the highest quality dental service available and an outstanding patient experience. Exceptional customer care delivered with a smile.

DENTAL HYGIENIST — INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

Better Health Dental 

Position Type: Independent Contractor (1099)

Schedule: Flexible Monthly Scheduling (Typical Availability Required)

Location: 127 E. Trinity Pl., Decatur, GA

Reports To: Dr. Sharifa Walker, DDS (Clinical Oversight); and Office Manager (Operations/Scheduling)

Start Date: Immediate / Rolling

ABOUT BETTER HEALTH DENTAL

Better Health Dental is a growing community dental practice celebrating its second year of service to Decatur, GA. We operate on the belief that every patient deserves to feel cared for - not just clinically, but personally. Under the leadership of Dr. Sharifa Walker, our practice focuses on Patient-First Excellence, Radical Accountability, and Community Stewardship.

We are seeking a Registered Dental Hygienist who values professionalism, clinical autonomy within a supportive framework, and a collaborative team environment. This is not a high-volume, assembly-line practice. We prioritize thorough care, patient education, and long-term relationships.

THE ROLE

As a Dental Hygienist, you will provide comprehensive preventive care including prophylaxis, periodontal therapy, radiographs, and patient education. You will work independently on your scheduled days, managing your own clinical flow while adhering to our office protocols and compliance standards.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive oral hygiene assessments, periodontal evaluations, and treatment planning under the supervision of Dr. Walker.
• Deliver scaling, root planing, polishing, fluoride treatments, and sealants with a focus on patient comfort.
• Take and develop diagnostic radiographs (digital X-rays) as prescribed.
• Apply topical anesthetics, antimicrobials, and other medications as directed.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene techniques, nutrition, and disease prevention.
• Maintain accurate, detailed electronic dental records (EDR) using Curve.

Professional & Operational Expectations

• Charting: All patient charting and documentation must be completed before departure at the end of each shift. Incomplete documentation delays reimbursement and affects team readiness.
• Room Turnover: Treatment rooms must be cleaned, disinfected, restocked, and compliant with infection control protocols between patients.
• Schedule Integrity: Arrive 15 minutes prior to the first patient to set up. Adhere to agreed-upon scheduled days.
• Communication: All scheduling, operational, and logistical questions go through the Office Manager (Jaleesa). Clinical questions go to Dr. Walker.
• Professionalism: Maintain a respectful demeanor with patients, staff, and owners at all times. Public confrontations or unprofessional behavior in front of patients is grounds for immediate termination.

COMPENSATION & PERFORMANCE MODEL

Pay is competitive. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• License: Current, unrestricted Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) license in the State of Georgia.
• Education: Associate or Bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited program.
• Experience: Minimum 2 years of clinical experience preferred.
• Certifications: Current BLS/CPR Certification for Healthcare Providers.
• Preferred Tech: Proficiency with digital practice management software (Curve or similar).

CULTURE FIT & SOFT SKILLS (CRITICAL)

We are building a stable, professional environment. The following attributes are non-negotiable.

• Emotional Regulation: Ability to handle stress, patient concerns, or scheduling changes calmly without public outbursts or confrontation.
• Respect for Chain of Command: Operational matters (schedules, supplies, conflicts) go through the Office Manager. Clinical matters go to Dr. Walker. We do not bypass leadership structures.
• Patient-Centric Mindset: Genuine care for patient comfort and anxiety reduction. You treat patients like neighbors, not numbers.
• Reliability: Consistent attendance and punctuality. If you cannot make a scheduled day, 30 days' notice is required (emergency exceptions apply with 24-hour notification).
• Team Collaboration: Positive communication with front desk staff, clinical team, and Dr. Walker. No gossip or negativity in the workspace.
• Compliance Orientation: Willingness to adhere to HIPAA, OSHA, and office SOPs without exception.