Dental Hygienist

Summary The Dental Hygienist position is located in the Portland VA Healthcare center. The Dental Hygienist provides direct patient care under the supervision of the dentist and senior hygienist and performs other clinical and clerical functions. This announcement includes a Relocation or Recruitment Incentive. 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: Be a Citizen of the United States Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C 7407(a) - Administrative Provisions for Section 7405 and 7406 Appointments English Language Proficiency 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 are: (1) Dental hygiene programs accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and (2) Education completed outside of the United States must be considered at least equivalent to CODA-accredited United States programs and would enable the candidate to sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination Licensure/Certification 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 Radiologic credentialing requirements: must meet credentialing standards in 42 C.F.R Part 75 and be certified as radiographers in their field Accredited dental hygiene programs contain curriculum addressing radiologic procedures that meets the requirement for certification as dental radiographers Exceptions for Non-Certified Dental Hygienist: temporary appointments for graduates; supervision by a certified dental hygienist; entry-level only; temporary appointments not to exceed two years Foreign Education: must be deemed equivalent to U.S. education by a private organization; eligibility considerations apply Grade Determinations (Dental Hygienist) GS-05: None beyond the basic requirements GS-06: At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level; KSAs including knowledge of preventive procedures and intra- and extra-oral techniques GS-07: At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level; KSAs including knowledge of oral pathology, medical diseases as related to dental health, radiographic techniques, and patient education GS-08: At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level; KSAs including preventive measures, anatomy/physiology for examinations, radiography safety, fluoride products, and patient care skills GS-09: At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level; KSAs including patient instruction, radiography equipment usage, and complex clinical knowledge Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-9. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. Duties The duties of this position include, but are not limited to: Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public; 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 observation of the actual care provided Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently Assesses patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications and comorbidities to allow for safe patient care Assesses the impact of patient's medical and dental condition on maintaining oral health Recognizes age-related and physical changes in individual patients and adapts patient environment to maximize patient comfort Detects dental plaque and calculus, oral abnormalities and pathologies; provides safe instrumentation for all dental hygiene procedures Provides routine oral prophylactic care; performs debridement, scaling and root planing as appropriate Selects appropriate fluoride products and understands indications/limitations for safe and proper application Applies oral desensitizing and sealant materials Cleans dental prostheses – fixed and removable Manages dental recall system; refers patients to the doctor for additional care when appropriate Makes impressions for fluoride carrier trays Administers topical and local anesthetic agents (per State license) Performs routine dental operatory equipment care and maintenance; maintains operatory stock; monitors for expired products Explains hygiene procedures, indications, complications and expected outcomes to patient and caregiver Properly utilizes dental radiographic equipment, radiation safety techniques and barriers Supports infection control protocols Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30am to 5:00pm (8–9 or 10 hour shifts available) Telework: Not authorized; Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized #J-18808-Ljbffr