Job Information
Montana State University Dental Hygienist in Bozeman, Montana
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 25184
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Dr. Greg Swica
(406) 994-2314
greg.swica@montana.edu
Classification Title Dental Hygienist
Working Title Dental Hygienist
Brief Position Overview
Provide dental hygiene services to MSU students.
Position Number 4N1179
Department SWC Dental
Division Division of Student Success
Appointment Type Classified
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA Non-Exempt
Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE Up to 1.0 FTE with potential reduced hours in the summer (.5 or .6 FTE)
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary Starting at $38.00 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.
Contract Type Classified Hourly
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
Provide dental hygiene services.
Duties and Responsibilities
Patient screening procedures; such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of the health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection, dental charting and taking blood pressure and pulse.
Taking and processing dental radiographs (x-rays).
Removing calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth.
Applying preventive materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants and fluorides).
Practicing aseptic technique according to CDC guidelines in dental healthcare settings including but not limited to:
Preventing occupational transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
Proper use of hand hygiene, protective equipment, and disposable barriers.
Sterilization and disinfection of patient-care items.
Dental unit waterlines, biofilms, water quality, handpieces, and other items that connect to air/waterlines.
Teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health; (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling).
Counseling patients about good nutrition and its impact on oral health.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited educational institution, or a combination of education and/or applicable experience.
Current license to practice as a Dental Hygienist in Montana.
Current certification in dental radiography.
Current BLS certification.
Current certification to administer local anesthetic.
Recent professional experience as a dental hygienist.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Experience working as a dental hygienist with young adults and adolescents.
The Successful Candidate Will
The ability to develop a working knowledge of Student Health Services organization and services, the basic rules governing visitors and patient treatments, and standard procedures, clinical records, and clinical terminology of the unit.
The ability to establish professional and supportive clinical relationships with patients.
The ability to consistently exercise initiative and good judgment.
Excellent communication and patient interaction skills. The ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with co-workers in a team-oriented environment.
The ability to represent Student Health Services and its programs to others in a professional and courteous manner.
Excellent communication and patient interaction skills.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This position is available up to full-time (1.0 FTE ) during the academic year with potential reduced hours (0.5 or 0.6 FTE ) in the summer.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
Exposure to blood-borne pathogens (employees are provided with training and equipment that complies with OSHA requirements for a dental health care setting).
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties? No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on December 5, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.