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Va Dental Hygiene Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Va Dental Hygiene information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$18

$39

$54

How much do va dental hygiene jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for va dental hygiene in Rio Rancho, NM is $39.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.38 and $45.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a VA dental hygienist?

A VA Dental Hygienist is a licensed oral health professional who works within the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system to provide preventive dental care to veterans. Their main responsibilities include conducting oral health assessments, cleaning teeth, applying sealants and fluoride, educating patients on oral hygiene, and assisting dentists with patient care. VA Dental Hygienists play a key role in maintaining and improving the oral health of veterans, often working as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team. They must adhere to both state licensing requirements and VA policies. This position offers the opportunity to serve those who have served the country while working in a collaborative clinical environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a VA dental hygienist?

To thrive as a VA Dental Hygienist, you need a solid background in dental hygiene procedures, oral health assessment, and a valid state dental hygiene license. Familiarity with dental charting software, digital radiography, and sterilization systems is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to educate and reassure patients make an individual stand out in this role. These competencies ensure effective patient care, adherence to safety standards, and positive patient experiences within the VA healthcare system.

What are some common challenges faced by VA dental hygienists when working with veteran patients?

VA Dental Hygienists often encounter unique challenges, such as working with patients who may have complex medical histories, PTSD, or dental anxiety related to past experiences. Building trust and communicating effectively are essential for providing comfortable care. Additionally, hygienists must be adept at collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to address both oral and overall health needs, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to the specific needs of veterans.

What is the difference between Va Dental Hygiene vs Dental Assistant?

AspectVa Dental HygieneDental Assistant
Required CredentialsDental Hygiene License, possibly an associate degreeDental assisting certification or diploma
Work EnvironmentDental clinics, private practices, public health settingsDental offices, clinics, laboratories
Job ResponsibilitiesPerforming cleanings, patient education, radiographsAssisting dentists, preparing rooms, sterilization

Va Dental Hygienists focus on patient oral health, cleanings, and education, requiring specific licensure. Dental Assistants support dental procedures and patient care, often with different certifications. Both roles work in dental clinics but have distinct responsibilities and credential requirements.

What job categories do people searching Va Dental Hygiene jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Va Dental Hygiene jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Va Dental Hygiene jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Va Dental Hygiene job openings:

Infographic showing various Va Dental Hygiene job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,738 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Part-time Water Sampling Technician

I-2-I Solutions, Inc.

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Certified Water Sampling Technician is a part-time, field-based role responsible for collecting, documenting, packaging, and shipping water samples from designated VA Medical Center facilities in support of Legionella prevention, sterile processing water quality, dialysis water testing, dental waterline testing, and related compliance programs. The sampler is the on-site face of I-2-I Solutions and represents the company directly to VA facility personnel, infection prevention staff, and water safety committees.

This work is expected to occur primarily during normal business hours, based on facility access requirements and approved sampling schedules. The sampler will travel to assigned facilities on a routine schedule, perform sample collection in accordance with VHA Directive 1061 and AAMI ST108 protocols, conduct on-site field measurements where required, maintain strict chain-of-custody, and ensure timely shipment of samples to the laboratory via FedEx overnight delivery.

JOB FACILITY

1501 San Pedro Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSEnvironmental or Water Sampling Certification

Environmental or water sampling certification preferred. State environmental, drinking water, wastewater, industrial hygiene, or related certifications are preferred where applicable. Equivalent hands-on healthcare water sampling experience may substitute for formal certification.

Proven Sampling Experience

Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience collecting water samples in healthcare, institutional, commercial, or regulated environments. Experience supporting VHA Directive 1061, ASHRAE 188, AAMI ST108, or Legionella water management programs strongly preferred.

PIV-Eligible Background

Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident eligible to pass a VA background investigation and receive a VA-issued PIV Card.

Valid Driver’s License and Reliable Transportation

Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required. Clean driving record required. The role involves driving to assigned facilities and to FedEx drop-off locations; applicants must have reliable transportation to support scheduled sampling and same-day shipment requirements.

Availability During Normal Business Hours

Applicants must be available to perform sampling during normal business hours based on VA facility schedules, access requirements, and approved sampling windows.

Physical Requirements

Ability to walk extensively through large hospital campuses, climb stairs, lift up to 30 lbs, including sample coolers and shipping containers, and work in mechanical and utility spaces.

Documentation and Technology Skills

Comfortable using mobile applications, web-based data entry platforms, QR code scanning, and basic Microsoft Office tools.

Professional Communication

Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to interact professionally with VA medical, engineering, infection prevention, and administrative personnel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a part-time, field-based role with travel to assigned VA Medical Center facilities during normal business hours. The sampler will work in a variety of environments, including mechanical rooms, rooftops, patient-adjacent areas, sterile processing departments, dental clinics, dialysis units, and operating room support spaces. PPE will be provided and required as applicable.

This position requires comfort working independently with minimal direct supervision, while maintaining close coordination with the I-2-I Project Manager, Laboratory Director, and assigned VA facility points of contact.

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