OPT Registered Dental Hygienist Jobs
Registered Dental Hygienist jobs on OPT are available at private dental practices, community health clinics, and hospital dental departments across the U.S. Your OPT period gives you up to 12 months of work authorization, with a 24-month STEM extension unavailable for this field since dental hygiene CIP codes don't qualify.
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INTRODUCTION
The Aspen Group (TAG) is one of the largest and most trusted retail healthcare business support organizations in the U.S. and has supported over 20,000 healthcare professionals and team members at more than 1,300 health and wellness offices across 48 states in four distinct categories: dental care, urgent care, medical aesthetics, and animal health. Working in partnership with independent practice owners and clinicians, the team is united by a single purpose: to prove that healthcare can be better and smarter for everyone. TAG provides a comprehensive suite of centralized business support services that power the impact of five consumer-facing businesses: Aspen Dental, ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers, WellNow Urgent Care, Chapter Aesthetic Studio, and Lovet Pet Health Care. Each brand has access to a deep community of experts, tools and resources to grow their practices, and an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality consumer healthcare experiences at scale.
As a reflection of current needs and continued growth, we are excited to offer the opportunity to join a dedicated recruiting team focused on sourcing and hiring Hygienists. Apply today to join an amazing team and support organization that provides non-clinical business support services to more than 1000 independently owned and operated Aspen Dental offices across the U.S. Our purpose? To care for the people who care for the patients, providing expert business support to the largest, fastest-growing branded network of dental practices in the country. This model makes it easier for independent, licensed practitioners to do what they do best.
Responsibilities
- Partners closely with managers to assess needs and develop a recruiting plan.
- Opens requisitions and posts job openings.
- Sources licensed Hygienists using a variety of recruiting and sourcing tools/methods and Social Media channels.
- Screens, qualifies, and makes recommendations for interviews.
- Works closely with the Academic team to recruit from colleges/universities and Hygiene programs; attends job fairs as required.
- Manages the candidate selection/interview process.
- Manages the negotiation, closing, and onboarding elements of candidate/new start relations.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
- Job Related/Industry Experience: 3+ years of experience with full cycle recruitment, in a strategic, fast-paced setting. Healthcare experience a plus.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work well in a fast paced environment.
- Demonstrate technical proficiency with recruiting systems and Excel.
- Ideal candidate resides in central or eastern standard time.
- Ability for occasional travel for team meetings and academic/networking events.
COMPENSATION
- Annual Pay Range: $70,000-75,000k with bonus opportunity
A generous benefits package that includes paid time off, health, dental, vision, and 401(k) savings plan with match.
If you are an applicant residing in California, please view our privacy policy here: https://careers.aspendental.com/us/en/tag-privacy-policy-for-california-employees
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Registered Dental Hygienist
Verify your state license before applying
Every state requires a separate dental hygiene license, and licensure timelines range from two to eight weeks. Start the application before your OPT start date so you can begin working the moment your EAD arrives.
Target private practices over large hospital systems
Independent dental offices make hiring decisions faster and with less HR bureaucracy. A solo or group practice owner who needs coverage is far more likely to hire an OPT candidate than a hospital credentialing committee.
Be upfront about your OPT end date early
Dental practices plan staffing months ahead. Disclosing your authorization window in the first conversation avoids wasted interviews and builds trust. Practices willing to sponsor H-1B visa later need lead time to prepare.
Highlight your national board scores prominently
NBDHE and WREB scores are universally recognized across state lines. Strong scores signal clinical competency to employers who may be unfamiliar with your dental school, making them one of your most persuasive credentials on applications.
Research H-1B sponsorship history before accepting offers
Not all dental employers will sponsor you after OPT expires. Use public DOL disclosure data to check whether a practice or dental group has filed H-1B Labor Condition Applications in the past before investing time in their hiring process.
Browse OPT-friendly dental hygienist roles on Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate filters jobs by visa sponsorship willingness, saving you from applying to practices that won't support your authorization. Focusing your effort on receptive employers is the fastest way to convert OPT time into a long-term position.
Registered Dental Hygienist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Registered Dental Hygienist on OPT?
Yes, F-1 OPT authorizes you to work as a Registered Dental Hygienist as long as the role directly relates to your dental hygiene degree. You'll need a valid EAD card and a state dental hygiene license for the state where you practice. OPT employment must be at least 20 hours per week to maintain valid F-1 status.
Does dental hygiene qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
No. Dental hygiene programs fall under CIP code 51.0602, which is not on the STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. This means your OPT authorization is capped at 12 months. Planning your H-1B or other long-term visa strategy before your OPT expires is essential.
Can I work at multiple dental offices during my OPT?
Yes, you can hold multiple concurrent positions during OPT. Each job must relate to your dental hygiene degree, and the combined hours across all employers must reach at least 20 hours per week. You do not need to report each employer to your DSO in advance, but you should keep records of all employment for your OPT documentation.
How do I find dental hygienist employers willing to sponsor visas after OPT?
Start by browsing Migrate Mate, which surfaces dental hygienist jobs from employers open to visa sponsorship. Beyond that, check DOL OFLC disclosure data to identify practices and dental groups that have previously filed Labor Condition Applications for H-1B workers. Multi-location dental service organizations are generally more experienced with immigration sponsorship than solo practitioners.
What happens if my state dental hygiene license takes longer than expected to process?
You cannot legally practice dental hygiene without a state license, even if your EAD is valid. If your license is delayed beyond your OPT start date, you cannot begin clinical work. Contact your DSO immediately if this happens, as remaining unemployed for more than 90 cumulative days during OPT will terminate your F-1 status. Consider beginning the licensure process as early as possible.