Dental Hygienist

Job TitleThe duties of this position include, but are not limited to:Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public and embraces the VA's Core Values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence (ICARE)Demonstrates knowledge and application of patient and family centered care in written care plans, instructions to patients, and in observation of the actual care providedSets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficientlyAssesses patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications and comorbidities to allow for safe patient careAssesses the impact of patient's medical and dental condition on maintaining oral healthRecognizes age-related and physical changes in individual patients and adapts patient environment to maximize patient comfortSkill in detecting dental plaque and calculus, oral abnormalities and pathologies, assessing inflammation and providing safe instrumentation for all dental hygiene proceduresProvides routine oral prophylactic careProvides gross debridement, scaling and root planing proceduresSelects the appropriate fluoride products and understands indications/limitations for safe and proper applicationApplies oral desensitizing and sealant materialsCleans dental prostheses, fixed and removableManages dental recall system, referring patients to the doctor for additional care when appropriateMakes impressions for fluoride carrier traysAdministers topical and local anesthetic agents (per State license)Performs routine dental operatory equipment care and maintenanceMaintains dental operatory stock items and surveys routinely for expired productsAccomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocolsExplains hygiene procedures, indications, complications and expected outcomes to individual patient and caregiverProperly utilizes dental radiographic equipment, radiation safety techniques and barriersWork Schedule: Monday-Fridays, 7:30am to 5:00pm (8,9, or 10 hour shifts available)Telework: Not authorizedVirtual: This is not a virtual position.Functional Statement #: 000000Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: AuthorizedPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized