Career Center

The Dental Hygienist provides direct patient care under the general supervision of the dentist and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. Employees work closely with, and under the general direction of, a dentist or periodontist. Employee's plan, coordinate, and conduct preventive oral health programs for various patient groups, caregivers and healthcare providers. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education. Associate Degree or higher in an accredited dental hygiene program. This program must be accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Licensure. Applicants must be currently licensed to practice as a dental hygienist with a full, current, and unrestricted license in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Certification. Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education, and be certified as radiographers in their field. Accredited dental hygiene programs contain curriculum addressing radiologic procedures which will meet the requirement for certification as dental radiographers. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. Dental hygienists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met for the GS-10 grade level. Experience: At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-9 level, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 1. Knowledge of medical assessment techniques including interviewing and evaluating clinical findings (e.g. normal and critical lab values) to adapt treatment based on medical and psychological issues; 2. Advanced knowledge of oral and dental anatomy including root anatomy, common pathologies and anomalies, and indications for advanced radiographic imaging and proper technique to detect potential abnormalities; 3. Skill in providing safe and thorough prophylaxis, root planing and soft-tissue curettage for complex periodontal and/or restorative cases and skill in providing safe care for patients with complex medical/psychiatric issues; 4. Knowledge of medical treatment adjuncts and indications and the ability to safely administer medicaments (e.g. intrasulcular medicaments, local anesthesia, sulcular lavage, applying and removing periodontal surgical dressing); 5. Knowledge of advanced adjunctive diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, indication for use and ability to utilize safely (e.g. sonic, magnetostrictive ultrasonic, and piezo ultrasonic scalers); and 6. Ability to apply adult education techniques/methods, organize curriculum, judge cognitive ability, and provide healthcare education regarding relationships between medical and dental pathologies to groups, interdisciplinary staff, and other outside contacts.. Preferred Experience: Charts findings, treatment plans and treatment provided in patient records. Perform appropriate periodontal charting according to the guidelines outlined by the National Board of Dentistry. Administers local anesthetic, Administer topical anesthetic agents. Demonstrate proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory. Ensure instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPS standards. Advanced scaling and root planning (ability to use advanced modalities) with or without soft-tissue curettage as well as local anesthesia administration. Assist in scheduling and filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments by entering RTC's. Demonstrates knowledge and application of patient and family centered care in written care plans, instructions to patients, and in observation of the actual care provided. References: VA Handbook 5005/73, part II, Appendix G37, dated May 12, 2014 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: Work requires long period of standing, sitting, and recurring bending and reaching during clinical procedures. Above average dexterity is also required in presenting demonstrations of oral health techniques in manipulating sharp dental instruments. ["A. Customer Service Shows courtesy, respect and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public. Aids customers with questions or concerns as well as provider service recovery. Delivers care that reflects the Veteran's and the family's personal goals, personal preferences, and freedom of choice. Demonstrates knowledge and application of patient and family centered care in written care plans, instructions to patients, and in observance of the actual care provided. Demonstrates non-judgmental understanding of the Veteran's and family's knowledge, values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds. Demonstrates collaborative orientation to working with patients and families B. Patient Care Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Handles instruments safely, accurately, and effectively. Assess clinical findings, including normal and critical lab results, and adapt care based on findings. Interview patient and assess patient's medical dental, anxiety/phobia, medication, and comorbidities. Assesses the impact of patients' medical and dental condition on maintain oral health. Recognize age=related changes in individual patients, adapt patient environment, and maximize patient's physical comfort. Providers routine oral prophylaxis, gross debridement, soft tissue curettage, deep scaling, and root planning procedures to patients with complex periodontal/restorative conditions and complex medical/psychiatric issues. Cleans dental prostheses, fixed and removable. Manages dental recall system, referring patients to the doctor for additional care when needed. Evaluate patient's caries risk and select and apply appropriate fluoride solutions. Performs appropriate periodontal charting according to the guidelines outlined by the National office of Dentistry. Make impression for fluoride carrier trays. Administers topical anesthetic agents. Applies desensitizing and sealant materials. Administers local anesthetic (per state license). Administers intrasulcular anti-infective agents and sulcular lavage per direction of dentist. Applies and removes periodontal dressings. Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols. C. Patient/Healthcare Provider Education Provides patient education appropriate to the Veteran's needs and oral condition. Explains hygiene procedures, indications, complication and expected outcomes to individual patient and caregivers. Prepares and provides education on periodontal disease, wellness, health maintenance, oral hygiene practices, parafunctional habits, and effect of illness, addictions, medication and tobacco on the oral cavity. Applies adult education techniques/methods, organizes curriculum, judges cognitive ability, and provides healthcare education regarding relationships between medical and dental pathologies to groups, interdisciplinary staff, and other outside contacts. D. Dental Imaging Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed. Dental imaging safely techniques and utilized, and retakes are minimized. Recognized common pathologies and utilizes advanced radiographic technique and equipment to detect abnormalities. E. Infection control and Equipment Sterilization Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting gup and cleaning up operatory. Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPS standards. Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images F. Clerical Functions Assists patients in scheduling appointments by entering RTC order. Assists in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellation and failed appointments. Chart findings, treatment plans, and treatment provided in patient record. G. Information Management Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information. Follows computer security regulations. H. Patient Safety Modifies care as appropriate for patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position). Modifies care-based patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications, and comorbidities. Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients. Participates in patient identification and time out per TJC requirements. Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. I. Employee Education Complies with Employee Education requirements. Completes mandatory annual safety training session. Prepares and presents monthly Safety Training to Dental Service Staff. Instruct and supervise dental hygiene students. Work Schedule: Mon - Thur 0730 - 1700 and Fri 0730 -1600 or Mon - Fri 0730 -1600\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]