Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist

Duties Include:

• Completes preliminary dental examinations on new dental service patients. The hygienist reviews patient's medical and dental history for evidences of past and present conditions such as medical illnesses and use of drugs which may complicate or alter dental hygiene treatment; examines the teeth and surrounding tissue for evidences of plaque and periodontal disease and charts findings; inspects the mouth and throat for evidence of disease such as oral cancer; interprets routine x-rays to identify tooth structures, calculus, and abnormalities such as cavities and deep periodontal pockets. Refers abnormalities such as cavities, traumatic occlusion, and suspicious lesions to the dentist. Prepares dental hygiene treatment plans for the patient including assessment of the problem, type of oral hygiene care required, and the sequence of appointments needed to complete treatment.
• Performs a complete oral prophylaxis on ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients. Performs deep sub gingival scaling, root planning and curettage. Polishes the teeth and applies stannous fluoride for hypersensitivity and caries prevention.
• Instructs patients at chair side in oral hygiene, brushing and flossing techniques, and periodontal aids which increase the amount of stimulation to the teeth. Plans and adapts instructions in home care techniques, tailoring them to the oral hygiene needs and oral problems of individual patients. Explains to patients the cause of periodontal disease and tooth decay, and the importance of diet as it relates to oral and systemic health.
• Regularly instructs nurses and nursing assistants in the proper techniques of oral hygiene to be applied to the bedridden, handicapped, disabled, and chronically ill patients. Presents lectures and demonstrations in oral health to various patient groups such as diabetics, and drug or alcohol dependent patients, using slides, denture models, toothbrushes, charts, and other dental education material.
• Exposes, develops, and processes radiographs on patients including bite wing, periapical, and panoramic x-rays. Adjusts voltage, amperage, and timing of x-ray equipment. Selects type of radiograph that will be necessary for patient's mouth. Positions film and matching to insure coverage of area to be x-rayed. Mounts and labels x-rays.
• Maintains patient's record of treatment. Records oral conditions of the teeth and surrounding tissues, progress and therapy notes, appointment, and the number of patients treated, and type of treatment administered.
• Maintains a high level of familiarity with all aspects of dental specialties to include a wide knowledge of instrumentation and material used.
• Participates in and manages patient flow for beneficiaries requiring prophylaxis and oral hygiene instruction, both on Inpatients and Outpatients, and assists on ward rounds with staff professionals; at times will perform screening exams and consults.
• Maintains major pieces of dental equipment assuring proper preventive maintenance.
• Performs dental hygiene product analysis and reports the results of new products to other staff members. Has integral involvement in hospital meetings/committees focusing on advancing and improving oral hygiene program.
• Receives and prepares patients for routine dental procedures. Is capable of handling complicated medically compromised patients while coordinating multidisciplinary treatment of medical-dental comorbidities.
• Can assist in all standard chair-side procedures in the absence of Staff Dental Assistants. Exposes and processes radiographs as required by Service mission/goals.
• Orders and assists in handling supplies and reports within the Service.
• Performs other duties as assigned, plus required committee involvement.

Work Schedule: Fee Basis; this system of VA compensation pays based on the specific task or service provided; providers are paid in accordance with a fee schedule.

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized