Dental Hygienist

An Incumbent at this grade level serve as (1) Staff Dental Hygienists performing advanced clinical techniques or serve as instructors for a dental hygiene program. An Incumbent must be able to plan coordinate and conduct preventive oral health programs for various patient groups; develop and modify instructional methods; and develop methods for evaluating the effectiveness of the preventive dentistry program. The Incumbent works closely with and under the general direction of a Dentist or Periodontist. The Incumbent performs these advanced techniques or these responsibilities as listed at least 25% of the time. 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.

Customer Service:
- Shows courtesy respect and a positive attitude for patients co-workers and the public
- Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns provides service recovery.

Patient Care:
- Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover Handles instruments safely accurately and efficiently
- Provides routine oral prophylactic care to include application of fluoride solutions Provides gross debridement deep scaling and curettage and root planning procedures Cleans dental prostheses fixed and removable
- Manages dental recall system referring patients to the doctor for additional care when needed Applies desensitizing and sealant materials
- Makes impressions for fluoride carrier trays Administers topical anesthetic agents
- Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols.

Patient Education:
- Provides patient education appropriate to the veterans needs and oral condition
- Prepares and provides individual and group oral health care instruction to inpatients outpatients and caregivers.

Dental Imaging:
- Images are characterized by diagnostic quality accurately oriented and exposed Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized and retakes are minimized.

Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization:
- Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards - Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images.

Clerical Functions:
- Assists patients in scheduling appointments
- Assists in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments Charts findings treatment plans and treatment provided in patient records.

Information Management: Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information Follows computer security regulations.

Patient Safety:
- Modifies care as appropriate for patients age and abilities (patient transfer and position) Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients
- Participates in patient identification and time out per JCAHO requirements
- Monitors patient condition during treatment being alert for signs of physical distress


Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
Compressed/Flexible: No
Telework: No
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 51881A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the Required Documents section of this announcement.

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position applicants must meet all requirements at the date of application..

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 Associations 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.
• English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Regulations.