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Registered Dental Hygienist
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Long Beach, CA, 90813
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 52.71-62.65 HOUR
Date Posted : 29 December 2025
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Under the direction of the Dental Director, the registered Dental Hygienist provides periodontal care and dental hygiene services for the CARE dental clinic. Take diagnostic dental radiographs. Identification and triage of dental/oral conditions and requests supervising dentist. Demonstrates sound infection control procedures and technique, set-up, breakdown and disinfect clinical areas. Work with supervising dentists to establish, revise and/or monitor periodontal recall/maintenance program. Acts as a patient advocate and perform those duties necessary to treat the patient as reflected in the mission of SMMC and the CARE Program & Clinics.
Job Requirements
- Expert knowledge of HIV/AIDS; experience working in a dental setting; knowledge of community resources; excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to administer dental hygiene services to HIV and non-HIV related medical condition.
- CA Dental Hygenist License
- BLS
- Auto
Founded in 1923, Dignity Health - St. Mary Medical Center is a 389-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Long Beach, California. Serving over 50,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including a Level II Trauma Center, Level III NICU, heart care, and orthopedics.
Additionally, St. Mary Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. It is a Joint Commission-certified Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center and was named as a 2024-2025 High Performing Hospital for Heart Attacks by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital shares a legacy of humankindness with Dignity Health, one of the nation’s five largest health care systems. Visit https://www.dignityhealth.org/socal/locations/stmarymedical for more information.
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Frequently asked questions
In Long Beach, employers often prioritize a valid California dental hygienist license and current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Additional training in infection control and experience treating diverse patient groups, including HIV-positive individuals, can enhance your prospects within this competitive regional market.
Long Beach shows steady demand for registered dental hygienists driven by its sizable healthcare infrastructure like St. Mary Medical Center. While larger cities like Los Angeles may offer more openings, Long Beach balances opportunity with less saturated job competition, making it an attractive option for local professionals.
Expertise in periodontal therapy, proficiency in diagnostic radiography, and strong communication skills for patient education are critical. Handling diverse oral health needs, including those related to HIV/AIDS, distinguishes a hygienist aiming to deliver comprehensive care and advocate effectively for patients.
Many dental hygienists progress into roles such as clinical education, dental practice management, or specialized periodontal therapy. Opportunities for further certification or transitioning into public health dentistry also exist, especially for those focusing on community-based oral health initiatives.
Registered dental hygienists specifically focus on preventative oral care, including cleanings, radiographs, and patient education, differing from dental assistants who support dentists with clinical tasks. Hygienists also monitor oral health progress and collaborate closely with supervising dentists on treatment plans.
Catholic Health Initiatives emphasizes compassionate, mission-driven care with a focus on underserved populations, including HIV-positive patients. The organization fosters a collaborative environment where hygienists participate in periodontal maintenance programs aligned with broader community health goals.
Employees benefit from ongoing education opportunities, access to advanced dental technologies, and mentorship from experienced dental directors. The nonprofit structure encourages involvement in community outreach, enhancing clinical skills and broadening experience beyond routine hygiene tasks.
Registered dental hygienists in Long Beach typically earn between $75,000 and $95,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications. This reflects local cost of living and demand, aligning with competitive wages for similar roles in Southern California's healthcare sector.
Strict infection control requires hygienists to meticulously prepare and disinfect clinical areas before and after patient care, extending appointment time but ensuring patient safety. Mastery of these procedures is vital, especially in high-volume settings serving vulnerable populations.