Dental Hygienist

Overview The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System seeks a Dental Hygienist to provide direct patient care, perform clinical and clerical tasks, and plan preventive oral health programs. The role includes developing instructional methods and evaluating preventive dentistry program effectiveness under a dentist's general direction. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2026 or until all positions are filled. Qualifications Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. 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 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 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: Dental hygiene programs accredited by the American Dental Association\'s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) Education completed outside the United States must be considered at least equivalent to CODA-accredited 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 U.S. state/territory/commonwealth or the District of Columbia Certification: P.L. 97-35 - Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act Of 1981 - requires persons who administer radiologic procedures meet credentialing standards in 42 C.F.R Part 75 To meet this requirement, they must have completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards and is accredited and be certified as radiographers Accredited dental hygiene programs contain curriculum addressing radiologic procedures meeting the certification requirement Non-Certified Dental Hygienist: Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet licensure eligibility may be given a temporary appointment (GS-5 level) pending certification, not to exceed two years English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English Grade Determinations: In addition to basic requirements, the following criteria apply for grade level Dental Hygienist - GS-05 to GS-09: Experience and KSAs per VA qualification standards Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs): knowledge of prophylactic, therapeutic, and preventive procedures; intra- and extra-oral techniques; communication skills; radiographic techniques; infection control protocols; and ability to instruct patients Knowledge of anatomy/physiology and radiographic interpretation Ability to work with patients and educate groups Physical Requirements: Light carrying; standing for extended periods; vision and hearing requirements The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09; actual selectee grade may be GS-05 to GS-09 depending on experience Duties Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement Customer Service: Demonstrate courtesy, respect, and maintain a positive attitude towards patients, co-workers, management, and the public Assist customers with questions or concerns and provide service recovery as needed Patient Care: Prepare the operatory for planned dental procedures and ensure timely turnover of the dental unit Handle dental instruments safely and efficiently Provide routine oral care, including fluoride treatment and gross debridement, scaling, and root planing Clean dental prostheses and manage the dental recall system in consultation with the doctor Administrer topical anesthetic agents and perform procedures in accordance with infection-control protocols Patient Education: Offer education tailored to the Veteran\'s needs Conduct individual and group oral health instruction sessions for patients and caregivers Dental Imaging: Take radiographs with proper exposure and orientation, following safety protocols Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization: Demonstrate proper infection-control procedures Prepare instruments for sterilization following SPS standards Clerical Functions: Assist patients with scheduling and manage cancellations or no-shows Chart findings and treatment in patient records Information Management: Maintain patient confidentiality per HIPAA; follow computer security regulations Patient Safety: Adjust care based on patient age and abilities; provide clear instructions; participate in time-out procedures per TJC Employee Education: Complete mandatory annual training and licensing CE requirements Additional Responsibilities: Perform other duties as assigned according to grade level Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM; Telework not available; Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement numbers: 635-54404A - 635-54405A - 635-54406A - 635-54407A - 635-54408A #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs