Summary
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
Qualifications
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
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
English Language Proficiency
Dental hygienist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7402(d)
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 of the United States must be considered at least equivalent to that gained in CODA accredited United States programs and would enable the candidate to sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination - which is administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations
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
P.L
97-35 - Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act Of 1981 - requires persons who administer radiologic procedures 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
To meet this requirement - 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 meets the requirement for certification as dental radiographers
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 GS-05: Experience
None - beyond the basic requirements
GS-06 Experience
At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS05)
In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of oral prophylactic - therapeutic - and preventive procedures for periodontal diseases - or inflammation - or on patients with other medical and/or dental problems
Knowledge of dental methods and techniques used in performing intra and extra oral procedures
Ability to use communication techniques to encourage and inform individuals and groups
GS-07 Experience
At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS06) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of oral pathology to include disease of the hard and soft tissues - disorders of tooth structure - developmental and congenital anomalies - salivary gland disorders - symptoms of infectious disorders - and appropriate protocols
Practical knowledge of medical diseases - conditions - and chronic degenerative diseases as they relate to dental health and treatment
Knowledge of radiographic exposure techniques to produce radiographs of high diagnostic quality
GS-08 Experience
At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS07) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-07 level - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of state-of-the-art preventive dentistry measures for patient instruction and training
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology in order to interpret the examination request accurately
to understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various anatomical structures appearing on the radiographic image and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the radiograph for diagnostic use
and to present for viewing
Knowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC) - Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - and related regulations and guidelines pertaining to dental matters
Skill in providing individual and group oral health care instructions to inpatients - outpatients - Nursing Home Care Unit patients - etc
GS-09 Experience
At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS08) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-8 level - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of hygiene procedures to explain the process and indication - complications and expected treatment outcomes for each
Knowledge of proper usage of dental radiography equipment - radiation safety - assessment of proper image capture and interpretation of films
Knowledge to select appropriate available fluoride products and indications/limitations for safe and proper application
Skill in detecting plaque and calculus - dental abnormalities/pathologies - assessing inflammation and providing safe instrumentation for each procedure
Skill in educating patients and caregivers on periodontal disease - wellness - health maintenance - oral hygiene practices - parafunctional habits - and effects of illness - addictions - medications and tobacco on the oral cavity
Ability to assess the patient's medical - dental - anxiety/phobias - medications and comorbidities to administer safe patient care
Ability to assess the impact of patient's medical and dental condition on maintaining oral health - recognize age-related changes in individual patients - adapt patient environment - and maximize patient's physical comfort
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit
Physical Requirements: Physical Requirements
See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
Duties
This Dental Hygienist position is in Dental services at the Providence VA Healthcare Systems - located at the Providence - RI location
This position is full time - 40 hours a week
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
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
Duties include - but not limited to: Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover
Complies with patient identification - time-out and reusable medical equipment processes
Handles instruments safely - accurately - and efficiently
Takes and records vital signs - reviews medical history
Charts oral conditions - periodontal charting - and restorative findings utilizing electronic dental record (DRM Plus)
Assesses patient's medical - dental - anxiety/phobias - medications - and comorbidities
Assesses the impact of patient's medical and dental condition on maintaining oral health
Recognizes age-related changes in individual patients - adapts patient environment - and maximizes patient's physical comfort
Work Schedule: Full Time
Mon-Fri 8a-43op
Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized
Telework: Not Authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: F04484 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
Contact
View email address on click.appcast.io - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Notifications: This position is covered by locality-based comparability pay
Narrative responses to the knowledge - skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment
Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50 - (Notice of Personnel Action)
The SF-50 must identify the position title - series - grade - step - tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted)
In some cases - more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held
This position is a Bargaining Unit position.
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