Dental Hygienist Jobs in Washington
Dental Hygienist jobs in Washington are among the most active in the Pacific Northwest, with steady demand at every level from new graduate through senior clinician concentrated in private dental practices, community health centers, and multi-specialty group practices. The heaviest hiring is in Seattle, Bellevue, and Spokane, where established employers such as Washington Dental Service, Virginia Mason Medical Center, and the Community Health of Central Washington network maintain ongoing needs. Preventive care, pediatric hygiene, and periodontal therapy are the most consistently requested specialties across Washington listings. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Description
The Department of Oral Medicine has an outstanding opportunity for a Dental Hygienist to join their team.
About this Opportunity
Reporting to the Dental Clinic Supervisor the Dental Hygienist is responsible for providing dental hygiene care to patients with disabilities and special health care needs in the DECOD clinic two days per week and provide care in the Maxillofacial Prosthodontics Clinic one half day per week. The RDH will remove deposits and stains from teeth by performing prophylaxis, debridement, scaling and root planning or periodontal maintenance as diagnosed by a dentist and instruct patients or caregivers on proper preventative care and good oral health practices. The RDH will assist with behavioral supports as directed by dental providers.
The salary information provided below is for a full-time position and will be prorated for this part-time, 50% FTE opportunity.
Key Responsibilities
Procedures and Operations (70%)
Prepare tray setups for dental procedures.
Greet patients and help patients feel comfortable during and after dental treatment.
Obtain and review patients' health history and/or treatment records.
Assess for, utilize, and consult with the supervising dentist on appropriate facilitation techniques including behavioral supports, pharmacological supports, and medication immobilization and protective stabilization.
Communicate with patients and their representatives' using principles of patient autonomy and understanding the roles of patient representatives including family members, paid caregivers, and guardians, including appropriate attainment of informed consent.
Document the health record with accuracy and sensitivity using appropriate disability language.
Review health history with patients, caregivers, and guardians.
Other Clinical Duties (25%)
Comply with PPE policies.
Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment.
Participate in quality assurance and quality improvement for clinics.
Assist with documentation in patients’ electronic health records.
Instruct students in the appropriate role of dental hygiene and dental hygiene techniques in the delivery of patient care; Orient new staff and students regarding clinic procedures and policies.
Additional Duties (5%)
Schedule and confirm appointments
Patient no show follow-ups
Conduct team meetings/staff reviews for complex cases.
Perform other duties as provided in the dental laws of the State of Washington.
Required Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.
Graduation from an accredited school of dental hygiene, AND a current license to practice as a dental hygienist in the State of Washington.
Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
Additional Qualifications
State-specific Radiation Safety training
CPR/BLS Certification
Additional/Expanded functions certifications as required by law
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience treating patients with disabilities or special health care needs is desirable as the candidate will evaluate overall oral health for people with physical, medical, developmental, or cognitive conditions which limit their ability to receive routine dental care
About the Team
The DECOD (Dental Education in Care of Persons with Disabilities) Program is a leader in the field of oral health care for patients with disabilities. Goals of the DECOD Program include: 1) improve the oral health of patients and contribute to their well-being and oral function; 2) improve access to oral health care for persons with disabilities by educating and training an oral health workforce; and 3) promote research, outreach, and interprofessional education, and practice related to special care dentistry. Our core values include compassion and respect for our patients, high moral and ethical standards, and a commitment to evidence-based and technically excellent clinical practices. We serve a diverse patient population and are equally committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace.
Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum:
$93,120.00 annualPay Range Maximum:
$133,212.00 annualOther Compensation:
Benefits:
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/Shift:
First Shift (United States of America)Temporary or Regular?
This is a regular positionFTE (Full-Time Equivalent):
50.00%Union/Bargaining Unit:
SEIU Local 925 Healthcare Prof/Lab TechAbout the UW
Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.
UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
Our Commitment
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 .
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu .
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law .
See All 121+ Dental Hygienist Jobs in Washington
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Find Dental Hygienist JobsDental Hygienist Jobs by City in Washington
Where Washington roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Dental Hygienist Job Market in Washington
A snapshot from current Washington openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Washington Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in dental hygienist jobs across Washington.
- Active Washington State dental hygienist license issued by the Washington State Department of Health
- Associate or bachelor's degree in dental hygiene from an accredited program
- Current CPR and Basic Life Support certification required at time of hire
- Experience with electronic dental records systems such as Dentrix or Eaglesoft
- Proficiency in full-mouth periodontal charting, scaling, and root planing procedures
- Strong patient communication skills and ability to educate on oral health and preventive care
Dental Hygienist Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a dental hygienist in Washington?
To become a dental hygienist in Washington, you must earn an associate or bachelor's degree in dental hygiene from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, and pass a regional or state clinical exam. You then apply for licensure through the Washington State Department of Health, Dental Quality Assurance Commission, which issues and regulates dental hygienist licenses in the state.
How much do dental hygienists make in Washington?
Dental hygienists in Washington earn a median of about $131,160 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $107,090 for the lowest 10% to over $162,050 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire dental hygienists in Washington?
Employers hiring dental hygienists in Washington right now include Smile Brands, PDS Health, and Heartland Dental, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Washington's mix of large group dental practices, federally qualified health centers, and integrated health systems creates consistent openings at multiple experience levels across the state.
Which Washington cities have the most dental hygienist jobs?
The cities with the most dental hygienist openings in Washington are Seattle, Olympia, and Spokane. Seattle and Bellevue drive volume through their dense concentration of private group practices and specialty clinics, while Spokane's openings reflect its role as the primary health services hub for Eastern Washington, anchored by large health systems and community health centers serving a broad regional population.
Are there remote dental hygienist jobs in Washington?
Yes, but they're rare. Dental hygiene is a hands-on clinical role requiring direct patient care, so the vast majority of positions are on-site. About 0% of dental hygienist openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those postings tend to involve administrative coordination, tele-dentistry consultation, or dental hygiene education and training functions rather than direct patient treatment.
How can I get hired as a dental hygienist in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to community health centers and federally qualified health centers across Washington, which regularly hire new graduates and often provide structured onboarding alongside experienced clinicians. Employers such as Sea Mar Community Health Centers and Community Health Care in Tacoma have historically been receptive to new graduates. Holding an active Washington State dental hygienist license, a current local anesthesia endorsement, and a CPR certification gives new applicants a practical edge when competing for associate or general dentistry assistant-to-hygienist transition roles.
Where can I find and apply to dental hygienist jobs in Washington?
You can find and apply to dental hygienist jobs in Washington on Migrate Mate, which lists current Washington openings across private practices, health systems, and community health organizations. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly to the employers posting them.
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