Travel Dental Hygienist
Columbia, South Carolina
Palmetto Health Richland

Job Opportunity: Dental Hygienist

Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Work Schedule

• Monday to Friday, no weekends
• Shift hours:

  • Monday to Thursday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Friday: 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Closed on major holidays
• Total hours per week: 39-40

Job Description

• Perform routine dental prophylaxis including removal of hard and soft deposits and stains, and polishing teeth surfaces
• Apply topical fluoride treatments
• Expose and develop dental radiographs
• Provide oral hygiene instruction, counseling, and nutrition/dietary advice
• Train dental hygiene students with minimal supervision
• Review medical and dental health histories
• Take and record blood pressure
• Chart dental disease using Epic Wisdom for charting and charge entry
• Schedule and confirm patient appointments
• May require access to medication storage and performing procedures involving medications

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Dental Hygiene
• Minimum of 1 year of recent experience as a Dental Hygienist within the last year

Required Certifications & Compliance

• Background check: 7-year history within 12 months of start, including alias and multi-state searches
• Drug screening: 5-panel drug test within 1 year, updated annually
• Physical exam: Physician’s statement within 1 year attesting ability to meet physical demands
• Immunizations and health documents:

  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 90 days of start
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap vaccine (if working in high-risk areas)
  • Flu vaccine or approved exemption (seasonal requirement)
  • Documentation for Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, and Hepatitis B as applicable
• Respirator fit test to be completed onsite during orientation
• Photo for badge with specific background and quality requirements

Orientation and Testing Requirements

• Completion of online orientation modules within 72 hours of assignment
• Pre-assignment testing (medication and arrhythmia tests) must be completed within 72 hours of receiving login information; two attempts allowed
• Core competencies and annual training including OSHA, patient safety, and ethical care must be maintained
• Compliance with facility-specific policies such as floating policy and contractor acknowledgment

Additional Notes

• Candidate must have a valid driver’s license and carry ID while on duty
• Use of Epic Wisdom electronic health record system for documentation
• No prior travel experience explicitly required

This position offers a structured weekday schedule with no weekend shifts, ideal for dental hygienists seeking a travel contract in South Carolina with opportunities to work in a teaching environment and utilize advanced EHR systems.