Dental Hygienist Position

Outstanding Opportunity - Registered Dental Hygienist

Equity Dental Clinics Brookings is seeking a hygienist looking for more than the fast-paced grind of corporate dentistry. Whether you’re a newer hygienist ready to leave the chaos of big city life or a seasoned professional looking for a more serene, hands-on opportunity, this is your chance to be in control and build the lifestyle you want. The position supports Equity Dental USA, LLC's prevention-based philosophy by performing full scope of general dentistry. Work in a newly renovated, fully equipped dental office designed with both patient comfort and efficiency in mind.

About Us

Equity Dental was formed in 2023 as an Oregon limited liability company for the purpose of facilitating access to oral health services to Medicaid, Medicare, and other underserved populations in Oregon.

Equity Dental is a company that is based on helping the dental community understand how a dental Medicaid program can be successful and why the traditional surgical/restorative (fixit) paradigm of dentistry is not successful for those in poverty and have suffered traumas during childhood and beyond. Equity Dental believes a successful dental Medicaid program is based on people in poverty and addressing their needs which makes understanding the culture of poverty and the use of motivational interviewing a critical part of the foundation of the program.

Equity Dental was created as an Oregon Community Benefit Company to incorporate its mission into its DNA. As a benefit company, Equity Dental acknowledges that businesses must be profitable. At the same time, it acknowledges that all health care providers have a responsibility to their communities over and above that of a typical, private, for-profit business. Equity Dental wants to do more than deliver great oral health care. Equity Dental wants to assist its respective communities to be healthier, stronger, safer, cleaner, and happier.

Equity Dental is committed to the idea that oral health businesses must serve its team members, patients, partners, and communities, while maintaining responsible stewardship of the environment. Equity Dental will consider the impact of all its decisions to ensure that the operations of its business generate social benefits within its respective communities. By locking in the mission of the Company, Equity Dental is weaving resilience, consistency, and sustainability into the fabric of its governance model.

Equity Dental, as a Community Benefits Company, works with its partners to ensure that socially conscious policies inform decision making. This allows providers to connect with people instead of just checking boxes, focus on better outcomes instead of more procedures, and reward disease prevention and management instead of just filling the holes left behind by an infectious disease left unchecked. Our goal is to provide the absolute best dental care while focusing on treatments that are gentle and non-invasive.

Our focus is on the Medicaid population and preventing oral health disease and restoring a healthy beautiful smile. We do provide access to dental services for other payers and self-pay patients as well.

Demographics

Curry County is the most southwestern county in Oregon and borders the Pacific Ocean. The population was 23,598 per the 2022 US census estimates. The demographic includes 57% age 50 and older, followed by families with children.

About the Area

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coastal Mountain range, Brookings has much to offer. Experience salmon fishing, rafting, or taking a jet boat tour on the mighty Rogue River. Enjoy windsurfing on one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, hiking fantastic, forested trails, exploring miles of wild rivers, and walking uninterrupted secluded beaches and witnessing our windswept headlands, illuminating sunsets, and mountainous beauty. Visit and explore the magical Wild Rivers Coast. The quality and tranquility of life on the wild rivers’ coast will not disappoint. What an amazing opportunity to blend a fantastic quality of life and professional career.

Dental Office

The Equity Dental office in Brookings is a 4 operatory practice. We have a dentist, hygienist EFDA/DAs and front desk staff. Our current enrollment is approximately 2100 Medicaid members and 750 private/self-pay patients. The office is currently open Monday – Thursday from 8am to 5pm, although with an added hygienist, we would like to open on Fridays. Here’s a snapshot biography of our dentist.

Dr. Pete Lahti is the dentist that currently operates the clinic. He graduated in 2024 as the top student in his class. He opened the clinic from scratch and has built up a happy and appreciative patient base. Dr. Lahti has taken continuing education courses in oral surgery, implantology, IV sedation, clear aligner therapy, and more. Dr. Lahti is a fun personality and loves to talk shop. Prior to becoming a dentist, he played 4 years of football at Lewis & Clark College and loves to stay active by lifting weights and playing recreational sports.

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive Compensation is $60 per hour (DOE)

Position Type: Part to Full-Time (let’s find the right mix of time)

Scheduling & Daily Shift Rate – 2 to 3 days/week.

Educational Loan Assistance - Provider may apply for available programs, under the Health Provider Shortage Area (HPSA) program through the Oregon Health and Sciences University's programs.

Paid Sick Time is accrued at the rate of 1 hour for each 30 hours worked.

Benefits include, but may not be limited to: Medical stipend, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability, and 401(k).

Contact Information

Adam Bratland, Recruiter

Mobile: 541-600-6833

Dave Gilmore, Senior Manager

Mobile: 541-450-3110

Dr Pete Lahti

Mobile: 541-216-4469