Dental Hygienist

Job Title

Staff Dental Hygienist

Job Description

An Incumbent at this grade level serves as Staff Dental Hygienists performing advanced clinical techniques or serves as instructors for a dental hygiene program. An Incumbent must be able to plan, coordinate, and conduct preventive oral health programs for various patient groups; develop and modify instructional methods; and develop methods for evaluating the effectiveness of the preventive dentistry program. The Incumbent works closely with, and under the general direction of, a Dentist or Periodontist. The Incumbent performs these advanced techniques, or these responsibilities as listed at least 25% of the time. 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.

Customer Service:

• Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public
• Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery

Patient Care:

• Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover
• Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently
• Provides routine oral prophylactic care to include application of fluoride solutions
• Provides gross debridement, deep scaling, and curettage and root planning procedures
• Cleans dental prostheses, fixed and removable
• Manages dental recall system, referring patients to the doctor for additional care when needed
• Applies desensitizing and sealant materials
• Makes impressions for fluoride carrier trays
• Administers topical anesthetic agents
• Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols

Patient Education:

• Provides patient education appropriate to the veteran's needs and oral condition
• Prepares and provides individual and group oral health care instruction to inpatients, outpatients, and caregivers

Dental Imaging:

• Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed
• Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized

Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization:

• Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory
• Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards
• Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care
• Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images

Clerical Functions:

• Assists patients in scheduling appointments
• Assists in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments
• Charts findings, treatment plans, and treatment provided in patient records

Information Management:

• Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information
• Follows computer security regulations

Patient Safety:

• Modifies care as appropriate for patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position)
• Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients
• Participates in patient identification and time out per JCAHO requirements
• Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 4:30 pm

Compressed/Flexible: No

Telework: No

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 51881A

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized