Dental Hygienist

Summary Dental Hygienist at the VA Northern California Healthcare System (VAPAHCS) provides direct patient care under general supervision of the dentist and performs clinical and clerical functions independently. They provide patient care and receive guidance from higher‑level staff for only the most complex patients. Qualifications 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: 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 CODA; (2) Education completed outside the U.S. must be at least equivalent to CODA‑accredited U.S. programs and 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 or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia. Certifications such as radiographer credentials may also be required. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 for specific requirements. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Experience: At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level, including knowledge of hygiene procedures, radiography, fluoride products, plaque detection, patient education, and assessment of medical‑dental comorbidities. Preferred Experience: 1 year of experience. Duties Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Patient Care: Sets up operatory for planned dental procedures and cleans the 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; assesses patient medical‑dental anxiety/phobias, medications, and comorbidities; provides routine oral prophylactic care, gross debridement, scaling and root planning, subgingival curettage, cleans prostheses; applies fluoride solutions or varnishes; manages dental recall system; administers topical anesthetic agents and local anesthesia (if licensed); applies desensitizing agents; performs routine maintenance of equipment components such as suction traps and water lines; upholds standard infection‑control protocols. Patient Education: Provides education appropriate to the veteran’s needs and oral condition; explains hygiene procedures, indications, complications, and expected outcomes to patients and caregivers; educates on periodontal disease, wellness, health maintenance, oral hygiene practices, parafunctional habits, and the effects of illness, addictions, medications, and tobacco on oral health. Dental Imaging: Takes diagnostic‑quality images accurately oriented and exposed; utilizes imaging safety techniques with minimal retakes. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization: Demonstrates proper infection‑control procedures in setting up and cleaning the operatory and during image exposure; prepares instruments for sterilization by SPS standards; ensures instrument preparation does not delay clinical care. Clerical Functions: Assists patients with scheduling appointments; helps fill gaps due to late cancellations or failed appointments. Information Management: Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA, both written and verbal; follows computer security regulations. Patient Safety: Modifies care for patient age and abilities (transfer and positioning); adjusts care based on anxiety/phobias, medications, and comorbidities; provides clear instructions; participates in patient identification and time‑out per TJC requirements; monitors patient condition for signs of distress. Employee Education: Meets employee education requirements; completes mandatory annual safety training; maintains continuing education for licensure and certifications. Work Schedule: Intermittent telework: not available; virtual: this is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 05977F GS‑9. Relocation/Recruitment incentives: not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): not authorized. Financial disclosure report: not required. #J-18808-Ljbffr