Dental Hygienist

Summary The Dental Hygienist at the VA Northern California Healthcare System (VAPAHCS) provides direct patient care under the general supervision of the dentist and performs other clinical and clerical functions independent of direct supervision. It is expected that they provide direct patient care and receive guidance from higher‑level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients. Qualifications United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: Applicants must possess an Associate degree or higher from an accredited dental hygiene program. The degree must have been obtained from an institution whose accreditation was in place for the year in which the course of study was completed. Approved Programs: (1) Dental hygiene programs accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA); (2) Education completed outside the United States must be considered at least equivalent to that gained in CODA‑accredited U.S. programs and would enable the candidate to sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Licensure/Certification: Applicants must be currently licensed to practice as a dental hygienist with a full, current, and unrestricted license in a State, Territory, Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Certification as a radiographer may also be required for those administering radiologic procedures. Radiology Credentialing: 97‑35 – Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 – requires persons who administer radiologic procedures to meet the credentialing standards in 42 C.F.R. Part 75 – Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs for and the Credentialing of Radiologic Personnel. Foreign Education: Education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 – Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements, including moderate lifting (15‑44 lbs.), light lifting (under 15 lbs.), moderate carrying (15‑44 lbs.), light carrying (under 15 lbs.), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, standing (up to 3 hours), both legs required, near vision correctable at 13″‑16″; hearing (aid permitted). English Language Proficiency: Dental hygienist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determinations (GS‑09 Experience): At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS‑08 level, the candidate must demonstrate knowledge of hygiene procedures, dental radiography equipment, fluoride product selection, plaque and calculus detection, patient education, and assessment of medical–dental interactions. Preferred Experience: One year of experience. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS‑5 to GS‑9. Duties Set up the operatory for planned dental procedures and clean the dental unit for timely turnover. Comply with patient identification, the time‑out process, and reusable medical equipment processes. Handle instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Takes and records vital signs and reviews medical history. Charts oral conditions. Assesses patient’s medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications, and comorbidities. Recognizes age‑related changes in individual patients, adapts the patient environment, and maximizes patient physical comfort. Provides routine oral prophylactic care. Performs gross debridement, scaling and root planing procedures, subgingival curettage, and cleans dental prostheses (fixed and removable). Applies appropriate topical fluoride solutions or varnishes. Manages the dental recall system and refers patients to the doctor for additional care when needed. Administers topical anesthetic agents and local anesthesia (subject to licensure and certification). Applies desensitizing agents. Performs routine maintenance of equipment components such as suction traps and water lines. Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection‑control protocols. Provides patient education appropriate to the veteran’s needs and oral condition, explaining hygiene procedures, indications, complications, and expected outcomes. Prepares and provides education on periodontal disease, wellness, health maintenance, oral hygiene practices, parafunctional habits, and the impact of illness, addictions, medications, and tobacco on the oral cavity. Obtains diagnostic quality dental imaging that is accurately oriented and exposed, utilizing safety techniques and minimizing retakes. Demonstrates proper infection‑control procedures in setting up and cleaning the operatory and when exposing images. Prepares instruments for sterilization by SPS standards without delaying clinical care. Assists patients in scheduling appointments and fills gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and missed appointments. Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA, following computer security regulations. Modifies care as appropriate for patient age and abilities (including transfer and positioning) and based on medical‑dental anxiety/phobias, medications, and comorbidities. Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients. Participates in patient identification and time‑out per TJC requirements and monitors patient condition during treatment for signs of physical distress. Complies with employee education requirements, completing mandatory annual safety training sessions and maintaining all continuing education requirements for professional licensure and certifications. Work schedule: Intermittent telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. #J-18808-Ljbffr