About Company
Marondera Provincial Hospital is a cornerstone of healthcare in the Mashonaland East Province of Zimbabwe. As a leading public health institution, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate, and high-quality medical services to our community. Our commitment extends to fostering a supportive and professional environment for our staff, encouraging continuous learning and development. We serve a diverse patient population, offering a wide array of services including emergency care, general medicine, surgery, maternity, and specialized departments such as dental services. Our mission is to promote health, prevent disease, and deliver excellent patient care with integrity and respect for all, ensuring the well-being of every individual we serve.
Job Description
We are seeking a highly skilled, compassionate, and dedicated Dental Hygienist to join our vibrant dental team at Marondera Provincial Hospital. This pivotal role offers the significant advantage of flexible hours, designed to support a healthy work-life integration while enabling you to contribute profoundly to the oral health of our community. As a Dental Hygienist, you will be at the forefront of preventative dental care, empowering patients through comprehensive education on optimal oral hygiene practices and delivering professional, thorough cleanings. You will operate within a collaborative framework, working in close conjunction with our experienced dentists and a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, all committed to upholding the highest standards of patient care and safety. We are actively searching for an individual who not only excels in clinical proficiency but also possesses exemplary communication and interpersonal skills, a deep sense of empathy, and an unwavering passion for promoting lifelong oral health. This opportunity is ideally suited for a professional who thrives in a challenging yet profoundly rewarding environment, where their expertise directly translates into a tangible positive impact on the lives of our diverse patient population. Your responsibilities will span a wide spectrum, from executing routine dental examinations and prophylactic treatments to meticulously charting dental conditions and potentially assisting with more advanced dental procedures, all within our modern, fully-equipped dental facility. We highly value proactive team members who are genuinely committed to continuous professional development, eager to embrace and integrate the latest advancements, techniques, and technologies in dental hygiene. If you are deeply passionate about fostering excellent oral health, are adept at building rapport with patients, and flourish within a supportive and collaborative environment that unequivocally prioritizes patient well-being, we enthusiastically encourage your application. This role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to a vital public healthcare service, playing a critical part in our community’s health infrastructure, while simultaneously enjoying the flexibility that empowers a balanced and fulfilling personal and professional life.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform comprehensive dental prophylaxis, including scaling, root planing, and polishing to maintain optimal oral hygiene.
- Conduct thorough oral health assessments, charting dental conditions, and meticulously documenting patient care and progress.
- Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, preventative care strategies, and dietary advice to promote long-term oral health.
- Administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia under the direct supervision of a dentist, where applicable and licensed.
- Take, process, and accurately interpret diagnostic radiographs (X-rays) while adhering strictly to radiation safety protocols.
- Apply fluoride treatments and dental sealants effectively to prevent dental caries, especially in at-risk patients.
- Sterilize and maintain dental instruments and equipment in accordance with stringent infection control and cross-contamination prevention protocols.
- Collaborate seamlessly with dentists and other dental auxiliary staff to ensure efficient patient flow and integrated, comprehensive care.
- Provide clear and concise post-operative instructions and care recommendations to patients following various dental procedures.
- Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date patient records, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.
- Actively participate in continuing education and professional development activities to remain current with the latest advancements and best practices in dental hygiene.
Required Skills
- Diploma or Degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited and recognized institution.
- Current and valid registration with the relevant dental professional body in Zimbabwe (e.g., Health Professions Authority of Zimbabwe).
- Minimum of 1 year of verifiable post-qualification clinical experience as a Dental Hygienist.
- Demonstrated proficiency in performing advanced dental prophylaxis, scaling, and root planing procedures.
- Excellent knowledge of dental anatomy, oral pathology, periodontal diseases, and basic pharmacology.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to educate, motivate, and reassure patients of all ages.
- Competency in taking, processing, and accurately interpreting intraoral and extraoral dental radiographs.
- Unyielding adherence to strict infection control and safety protocols, including sterilization and PPE usage.
- Strong empathy, patience, and a patient-centered approach to delivering high-quality dental care.
- Proficiency in basic computer applications for patient charting, scheduling, and record-keeping.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience with modern dental practice management software (e.g., Dentrix, Open Dental, or similar systems).
- Additional certifications or specialized training in areas such as laser dentistry, or advanced periodontal therapy.
- Experience working within a public hospital setting or a multi-disciplinary healthcare environment.
- Fluency in local indigenous languages (e.g., Shona, Ndebele) in addition to English to better serve our diverse patient population.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications, reviewed periodically.
- Flexible working hours to genuinely support an optimal work-life balance and personal commitments.
- Significant opportunities for continuous professional development and sponsored continuing education courses.
- A supportive, collaborative, and respectful team environment that fosters growth and camaraderie.
- The profound satisfaction of contributing directly to meaningful community health initiatives and improving lives.
- Access to modern dental equipment and state-of-the-art facilities.
- Generous annual leave and observance of public holidays.
- Comprehensive pension scheme contributions to support long-term financial security.
- Professional indemnity coverage.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are cordially invited to submit their detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a compelling cover letter outlining their suitability for this demanding yet rewarding role. Please ensure your application clearly highlights your extensive experience in dental hygiene and explicitly states your availability for flexible hours. Applications should be sent promptly via the link below. We encourage you to apply swiftly as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and suitable candidates will be contacted for interviews. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated professional to our team.