Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH 1) – Pediatric Focus

Location: Galt & South Valley (Sacramento County, CA)

Are you a passionate Registered Dental Hygienist looking to make a difference in the lives of children while enjoying a healthy work-life balance? Our client is a leading non-profit community health organization seeking an RDH 1 to join our pediatric dental team. In this role, you will provide much-needed oral healthcare to underserved patients (under age 21) in South Sacramento County. If youre mission-driven, love working with kids, and value stability and growth, wed love to meet you!

About The Employer

Our client is a non-profit community health center committed to providing high-quality medical, dental, behavioral health, and supportive services to underserved communities in the greater Sacramento region. Our dental program focuses on pediatric patients (ages 0–20), ensuring children and teens receive compassionate, comprehensive oral care regardless of their familys ability to pay. We have a 15-year track record of growth with zero dental layoffs – reflecting our stability, commitment to our team, and the consistent demand for our services. Join a team where everyone deserves to be seen and cared for, and where providers build long-term careers making a real impact.

Position Overview

As an RDH 1, you will split your time between our Galt Dental Center and South Valley Dental Center (Elk Grove/South Sacramento). Both sites are modern, well-equipped facilities located about 20 minutes apart (easily accessible via Highway 99). You will provide preventive and periodontal dental hygiene care to a pediatric population in a supportive, team-oriented environment. This position reports to the Center Manager, who oversees both clinics, with general guidance from our Dental Director. Youll work alongside experienced dentists and friendly support staff dedicated to creating a positive experience for every young patient. This is an excellent opportunity for a hygienist who wants a rewarding, mission-driven role with excellent work-life balance and stability.

Key Responsibilities

• Pediatric Patient Care: Provide full-scope dental hygiene services to children and adolescents (infant through teen, up to age 20). This includes prophylaxis (cleanings), periodontal maintenance, scaling, radiographs (X-rays), sealant placement, fluoride treatments, and oral health education.

• Manage Daily Schedule: See approximately 10 patients per day (5 in the morning, 5 in the afternoon), with a mix of 1-hour appointments for teen/adolescent or complex cases and 40-minute appointments for younger children/routine visits. Ensure each patient receives gentle, thorough care tailored to their age and needs.

• Patient Education: Educate patients and their parents/caregivers on oral hygiene techniques, preventive care, and treatment plans. Foster a friendly, comforting atmosphere to help young patients feel at ease during their visits.

• Team Collaboration: Work closely with the dentist and dental support team to coordinate patient care. Assist with taking dental histories, updating charts, and partnering with dental assistants for efficient clinic flow.

• Electronic Health Records: Maintain accurate patient records and charting using EPIC Electronic Health Record system (dont worry – we provide full training on EPIC and our workflows during orientation!).

• Clinical Quality & Safety: Follow all clinical protocols and safety standards. Ensure proper sterilization of instruments and cleanliness of the operatory. Adhere to federal, state, and clinic regulations to provide high-quality, safe care.

• Mission Support: Embrace our mission by delivering compassionate care to underserved and diverse populations. (Many of our patients are on public programs like Denti-Cal; a second language is helpful to serve our community better, though not required.)

Work Schedule & Locations

• Full-Time, 4-Day or 5-Day Workweek (No Weekends!): Enjoy a consistent 4-day or 5-day work schedule, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (one hour lunch break). No evenings or weekends are required, so you can maintain an excellent work-life balance.

• Clinic Days (Schedule Options): Due to our teams scheduling needs, this position must provide in-clinic coverage on Mondays and Fridays (our existing hygienists have those days off).

  • 4-day/week option: Your typical week will include Monday and Friday plus two other weekdays (Tuesday, Wednesday, and/or Thursday), with one set weekday off each week. Well work with you to determine the best consistent off-day (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) to ensure smooth coverage.

  • 5-day/week option: If hired into a 5-day schedule, your typical week will be Monday through Friday.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) Accrual:

  • 4-day/week position: accrues 16 days off per year

  • 5-day/week position: accrues 20 days off per year

• Multiple Sites: Work primarily at our Galt clinic (~80% of the time) and regularly at our South Valley clinic (~20%). (For example, you may spend one designated day per week in South Valley and the rest in Galt.) Both locations serve the same pediatric patient population. Note: The clinics are approximately 20 minutes apart; we prefer candidates living in the south Sacramento or northern San Joaquin area for an easier commute.

• Paid Orientation & Training: We set you up for success! Your first week includes a comprehensive paid orientation – with a 3-day general onboarding at our admin office and hands-on training at the clinics. Youll receive guided training on our systems (including EPIC EHR) and shadow experienced staff, so you feel confident before seeing patients independently.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive hourly wage and an outstanding benefits package that truly sets us apart. As a community health employer, we pack a lot of value into our total compensation:

• Hourly Rate: $51.00 per hour (RDH I level starting rate).

• Schedule: Full-time opportunity offering either a 4-day (32 hours/week) or 5-day (40 hours/week) schedule, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. No evening or weekend requirements.

• Paid Time Off: 16 days of PTO per year (4 weeks accrued) to rest and recharge (if less than 40 hours a week). If 40 hours a week they get 20 days of PTO. Plus: 11 paid holidays and 6 days of sick leave annually, giving you plenty of time for yourself and your family. (PTO cash-out options available quarterly, so you can convert leave to extra income if needed.)

• Professional Development: We invest in your growth! Receive 3 paid days per year for Continuing Education/Professional Development (24 hours), plus a $2,250 annual CE stipend to cover courses, conferences, license renewal fees, professional association dues, etc. (Use it or lose it each year – we encourage you to take advantage of it!)

• Insurance Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family. Choose from top carriers (e.g. Kaiser or Sutter plans). Outstanding perk: We provide an employer-funded health expense debit card of $5,000–$5,500 per year (per covered person) to cover your out-of-pocket medical costs and copays – this generous benefit rolls over if unused, potentially giving you extensive coverage for major expenses.

• Life Insurance Policy: $50,000 Term Life Insurance Policy included!

• Retirement: 401(k) plan with employer matching – WellSpace Health contributes 25% of each dollar you contribute, up to the IRS maximum. Invest in your future with free money added!

• Malpractice Coverage: Weve got you covered with federal malpractice insurance (FTCA) – no cost to you. All providers are covered under our umbrella policy for peace of mind.

• Student Loan Repayment: This position is NHSC loan repayment eligible! As an FQHC site with a high HPSA score, you could receive up to $12,500 per year (tax-free) towards your student loans (for a 4-day/week schedule) through federal loan repayment programs. (Full 5-day schedule could qualify up to $25k/year.) Well assist with the documentation to help you take advantage of this benefit.

• Additional Benefits: Employer-paid life and disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and more. Plus, as a permanent employee, youll be part of a supportive, mission-focused work family that values your well-being. We emphasize work-life balance – our providers often remark on the manageable pace and positive environment compared to other settings.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Licensure & Education: Current California Registered Dental Hygienist license (RDH) in good standing. CPR/BLS certification and radiation safety certification (as required for RDHs) should be up-to-date.

• Experience: Minimum 1 year of clinical dental hygiene experience post-licensure, preferably in a general dentistry setting (private practice, community clinic, public health, or similar). Experience with pediatric patients is a strong plus. (While we consider all qualified RDHs, this is not an entry-level new grad position – we seek someone who can confidently step into a fast-paced clinic after orientation.)

• Clinical Skills: Proficient in standard dental hygiene procedures – cleanings, periodontal therapy, taking X-rays, applying sealants, etc. Comfortable managing young patients and able to adjust techniques for children of different ages.

• Soft Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must be patient, gentle, and kid-friendly – able to educate and engage children and reassure anxious young patients. Strong teamwork ethic to collaborate with dentists, assistants, and admin staff.

• Mission Alignment: A heart for service and a desire to provide high-quality care to underserved populations. Cultural competency and the ability to work with families from diverse backgrounds are important. Bilingual abilities (Spanish or other languages) are highly desirable and helpful in our community, but not required.

• Location/Commute: Given the split between Galt and South Sacramento, we prefer candidates living in south Sacramento County or northern San Joaquin County – e.g. Elk Grove, Galt, Lodi, Stockton – for a reasonable commute. You must have reliable transportation to travel between the two clinic sites as needed. (Travel between sites during the workday is uncommon, but if it happens, mileage is reimbursed.)

• Work Eligibility: Authorized to work in the U.S. (We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.)

• Vaccination: (If applicable per state/federal requirements or company policy, you can mention COVID-19 or other healthcare employee vaccination requirements here.)

Why Join This Organization?

• Make a Difference: Be part of a mission-driven organization that truly impacts childrens lives. Youll help kids who might otherwise go without dental care – a rewarding opportunity to improve community health one smile at a time.

• Work-Life Balance & Stability: Enjoy a predictable daytime schedule, a supportive pace (10 patients/day versus the higher volumes of private practice), and generous time off. Our dental team has never had layoffs in 15 years – even during industry downturns – so you can feel secure in your career here.

• Collaborative Team Environment: Work with a friendly, experienced team that values cooperation, mentorship, and quality care. We foster a positive clinic culture where your ideas are welcome and your contributions matter. Many of our hygienists and dentists have been with us 5, 10, even 15+ years – we love what we do and it shows!

• Growth & Development: Expand your skills in public health dentistry. We provide extensive training (including EPIC EHR) and ongoing professional development opportunities. As you grow with us, there is potential to advance to higher RDH levels (II, III) with increased responsibilities and pay.

• Excellent Benefits: From the robust insurance coverage and retirement plan to the CE stipend and student loan repayment program, our organization goes above and beyond to support our employees financial, physical, and professional well-being. These benefits add tens of thousands of dollars to your total compensation and underscore our commitment to our staff.

Join an organization that cares and be part of a team thats changing lives and building healthier communities every day. We offer you the chance to do fulfilling work, with fantastic benefits, in a welcoming environment.

Ready to make a difference? Apply today to join the dental team as our new RDH! Help us bring healthy smiles and quality care to Sacramentos youth. We look forward to welcoming you to our family.

To apply, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter. We are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate diversity – all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. This position will remain open until filled.