Dental Hygienist Jobs for OPT Students
Dental Hygienist jobs that sponsor OPT are available but competitive. Most roles require a U.S. state dental hygiene license, which F-1 students must secure before or shortly after graduation. STEM OPT extension does not apply to this field, making the 12-month timeline critical for your job search.
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NaphCare is hiring a Dental Hygienist to join our team of medical professionals in the Wyoming Department of Corrections - Honor Conservation Camp in Newcastle, WY.
As a Correctional Dental Hygienist, you will work alongside correctional officers and other dental professionals to provide dental care to the incarcerated individuals in residence. Working within a controlled environment, where security is top priority and the days are never dull, you will have a variety of duties to keep you engaged. This is a unique position where you can make a difference to this diverse population of patients with complex medical and dental needs. New grads are encouraged to apply - we'll train you in the exciting field of correctional healthcare!
Responsibilities:
The Dental Hygienist is responsible for performing dental prophylaxis, assessing oral health, and assisting the dentist with procedures while protecting the rights, dignity, and health of our unique patient population. Duties and responsibilities may include and not be limited to:
- Cleaning teeth, removing tartar and plaque, applying fluoride, and taking x-rays.
- Assisting the dentist with patient care, instruments, supplies, documentation and supporting the function of the dental department.
- Sterilizing and disinfecting equipment and tools.
- Assisting in triage, dental sick call requests, scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and performing other administrative tasks.
- Explaining dental procedures and oral hygiene practices to patients.
- Taking and developing x-rays, assisting with dental laboratory function.
- Complete periodontal charting and obtain other diagnostic records on patients.
- Perform facial and oral tissue and oral cancer screenings during exams.
- Provide thorough individualized oral hygiene instructions and/or other post-operative instructions to patients.
- Monitor oral hygiene and periodontal conditions on each patient.
- Use all functions and applications of TechCare™ relevant to document dental hygiene services within the patient record.
QUALIFICATIONS
Requirements / Qualifications:
- Completion of an accredited dental hygiene program.
- Valid dental hygiene license in state.
- Dental radiology certification is required.
- Must possess an active BLS CPR Certification (AHA preferred).
- Strong oral hygiene knowledge, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work in a correctional environment.
- Able to maintain confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information.
- Display integrity, professionalism and be able to adhere to a Code of Conduct and comply with all facility(s) correctional healthcare policies, procedures, and legal requirements.
- Must pass the facility’s criminal background check and drug screening.
PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES:
Must have the ability to stand for long periods, lift and move patients (up to 50 pounds), bend, squat, reach, push, pull, walk significant distances, and perform physically demanding tasks like CPR, all while maintaining good balance and endurance throughout a shift.
WHY JOIN NAPCARE?
NaphCare is one of the largest providers of healthcare services to correctional facilities throughout the US and we are growing. If you have never considered a career in correctional healthcare, now may be the time. In addition to competitive salaries and generous employee benefits, we strongly support career advancement within the company.
NAPHCARE BENEFITS FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES INCLUDE:
- Health, dental & vision insurance that starts day one!
- Prescriptions free of charge through our health plan, beginning day one!
- Lowest Cost Benefits!
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services.
- 401K and Roth with company contribution that starts day one!
- Tuition Assistance.
- Referral bonuses.
- Term life insurance at no cost to the employee.
- Generous paid time off & paid holidays.
- Free continuing education and CMEs.
If you would like to speak with me to learn more about this position and NaphCare, apply directly to the position to initiate the application process, and I’ll be in touch.
Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran
WANT A BETTER IDEA OF WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WORK IN A JAIL?
See what our LPNs do:
NaphCare - Life as an LPN - YouTube
FOLLOW US: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Advancing Correctional Healthcare | NaphCare
Overview:
NaphCare is hiring a Dental Hygienist to join our team of medical professionals in the Wyoming Department of Corrections - Honor Conservation Camp in Newcastle, WY.
As a Correctional Dental Hygienist, you will work alongside correctional officers and other dental professionals to provide dental care to the incarcerated individuals in residence. Working within a controlled environment, where security is top priority and the days are never dull, you will have a variety of duties to keep you engaged. This is a unique position where you can make a difference to this diverse population of patients with complex medical and dental needs. New grads are encouraged to apply - we'll train you in the exciting field of correctional healthcare!
Responsibilities:
The Dental Hygienist is responsible for performing dental prophylaxis, assessing oral health, and assisting the dentist with procedures while protecting the rights, dignity, and health of our unique patient population. Duties and responsibilities may include and not be limited to:
- Cleaning teeth, removing tartar and plaque, applying fluoride, and taking x-rays.
- Assisting the dentist with patient care, instruments, supplies, documentation and supporting the function of the dental department.
- Sterilizing and disinfecting equipment and tools.
- Assisting in triage, dental sick call requests, scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and performing other administrative tasks.
- Explaining dental procedures and oral hygiene practices to patients.
- Taking and developing x-rays, assisting with dental laboratory function.
- Complete periodontal charting and obtain other diagnostic records on patients.
- Perform facial and oral tissue and oral cancer screenings during exams.
- Provide thorough individualized oral hygiene instructions and/or other post-operative instructions to patients.
- Monitor oral hygiene and periodontal conditions on each patient.
- Use all functions and applications of TechCare™ relevant to document dental hygiene services within the patient record.
QUALIFICATIONS
Requirements / Qualifications:
- Completion of an accredited dental hygiene program.
- Valid dental hygiene license in state.
- Dental radiology certification is required.
- Must possess an active BLS CPR Certification (AHA preferred).
- Strong oral hygiene knowledge, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work in a correctional environment.
- Able to maintain confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information.
- Display integrity, professionalism and be able to adhere to a Code of Conduct and comply with all facility(s) correctional healthcare policies, procedures, and legal requirements.
- Must pass the facility’s criminal background check and drug screening.
PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES:
Must have the ability to stand for long periods, lift and move patients (up to 50 pounds), bend, squat, reach, push, pull, walk significant distances, and perform physically demanding tasks like CPR, all while maintaining good balance and endurance throughout a shift.
WHY JOIN NAPCARE?
NaphCare is one of the largest providers of healthcare services to correctional facilities throughout the US and we are growing. If you have never considered a career in correctional healthcare, now may be the time. In addition to competitive salaries and generous employee benefits, we strongly support career advancement within the company.
NAPHCARE BENEFITS FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES INCLUDE:
- Health, dental & vision insurance that starts day one!
- Prescriptions free of charge through our health plan, beginning day one!
- Lowest Cost Benefits!
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services.
- 401K and Roth with company contribution that starts day one!
- Tuition Assistance.
- Referral bonuses.
- Term life insurance at no cost to the employee.
- Generous paid time off & paid holidays.
- Free continuing education and CMEs.
If you would like to speak with me to learn more about this position and NaphCare, apply directly to the position to initiate the application process, and I’ll be in touch.
Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran
WANT A BETTER IDEA OF WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WORK IN A JAIL?
See what our LPNs do:
NaphCare - Life as an LPN - YouTube
FOLLOW US: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Advancing Correctional Healthcare | NaphCare
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Dental Hygienist
Prioritize state licensure before your OPT starts
Most dental practices won't hire a hygienist who isn't licensed in the state where they'll work. Apply for your state board exam immediately after graduation so you're eligible to work from day one of your OPT period.
Target private group practices over solo offices
Multi-location dental groups and DSOs have HR infrastructure to handle OPT paperwork. Solo practitioners rarely navigate work authorization documentation. Focus your applications on larger group practices with dedicated hiring or operations staff.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship history during interviews
Not all dental employers have sponsored H-1B visas before, and some won't start. Ask directly whether the practice has sponsored international employees. A practice with prior H-1B experience is far more likely to successfully sponsor you.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for OPT-friendly employers
Searching broadly wastes time on employers who won't sponsor. Migrate Mate surfaces dental hygienist roles from employers with documented visa sponsorship history, narrowing your search to practices already open to international candidates.
Dental Hygienist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Dental Hygienist on OPT without a U.S. license?
No. Every U.S. state requires dental hygienists to hold a valid state license before practicing. Your OPT work authorization does not override this requirement. You must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and your state's clinical exam before you can legally work in a patient-facing hygiene role.
Does a Dental Hygienist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
No. Dental hygiene is classified under the health sciences, not under STEM fields eligible for the 24-month extension. Your OPT period is capped at 12 months. This makes it essential to begin H-1B sponsorship conversations with your employer well before your OPT expires, ideally within the first few months of starting work.
How do I find dental employers willing to sponsor OPT and H-1B?
Most solo dental practices have never navigated visa sponsorship and won't start. Dental service organizations and multi-location group practices are better targets. Migrate Mate lists dental hygienist roles from employers with verified sponsorship history, so you can focus your applications where they're most likely to lead to long-term authorization.
Can I work part-time as a Dental Hygienist on post-completion OPT?
Yes, but with restrictions. Post-completion OPT requires you to work at least 20 hours per week to remain in valid status. Many dental offices offer part-time hygienist schedules, which can satisfy this requirement. Confirm your weekly hours stay at or above the 20-hour threshold and that your employer is aware of OPT reporting obligations.
What happens to my OPT if I work at multiple dental offices?
Working at multiple practices simultaneously is permitted on OPT as long as your total hours across all employers meet the 20-hour minimum per week. Each employer should be aware of your OPT status. You must report multiple employers to your DSO so they can update your SEVIS record accurately and keep your status valid.
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