Dental Hygienist

Summary 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. 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. 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 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 are: Dental hygiene programs accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) [Education completed outside of the United States must be considered at least equivalent to that gained in CODA accredited United States programs and would enable the candidate to sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination - which is administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.] 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 P.L 97-35 - Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act Of 1981 - requires persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 C.F.R Part 75 - Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs for and the Credentialing of Radiologic Personnel To meet this requirement - they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field Accredited dental hygiene programs contain curriculum addressing radiologic procedures meets the requirement for certification as dental radiographers Exceptions for Non-Certified Dental Hygienist Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure - may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate dental hygienist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B) - Temporary Full-Time Appointments - Part-Time Appointments and Without-Compensation Appointments for a Period Not to Exceed Two Years Non-certified individuals shall only provide care under the supervision of a certified dental hygienist at or above the full performance level Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level (GS-5) and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained Temporary appointments of non-certified dental hygienist may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment Foreign Education To be creditable - education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials English Language Proficiency Dental hygienist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f) May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria) Grade Determinations: Dental Hygienist GS-05 Experience None - beyond the basic requirements Dental Hygienist GS-06 Experience At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-5) AND In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of oral prophylactic - therapeutic - and preventive procedures for periodontal diseases - or inflammation - or on patients with other medical and/or dental problems Knowledge of dental methods and techniques used in performing intra and extra oral procedures Ability to use communication techniques to encourage and inform individuals and groups Dental Hygienist GS-07 Experience At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-6) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level AND In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of oral pathology to include disease of the hard and soft tissues - disorders of tooth structure - developmental and congenital anomalies - salivary gland disorders - symptoms of infectious disorders - and appropriate protocols Practical knowledge of medical diseases - conditions - and chronic degenerative diseases as they relate to dental health and treatment Knowledge of radiographic exposure techniques to produce radiographs of high diagnostic quality Dental Hygienist GS-08 Experience At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-7) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level AND In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-07 level - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of state-of-the-art preventive dentistry measures for patient instruction and training Knowledge of anatomy and physiology in order to interpret the examination request accurately to understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various anatomical structures appearing on the radiographic image and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the radiograph for diagnostic use and to present for viewing Knowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC) - Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - and related regulations and guidelines pertaining to dental matters Skill in providing individual and group oral health care instructions to inpatients - outpatients - Nursing Home Care Unit patients - etc Dental Hygienist GS-09 Experience At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-8) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level AND In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-8 level - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of hygiene procedures to explain the process and indication - complications and expected treatment outcomes for each Knowledge of proper usage of dental radiography equipment - radiation safety - assessment of proper image capture and interpretation of films Knowledge to select appropriate available fluoride products and indications/limitations for safe and proper application Skill in detecting plaque and calculus - dental abnormalities/pathologies - assessing inflammation and providing safe instrumentation for each procedure Skill in educating patients and caregivers on periodontal disease - wellness - health maintenance - oral hygiene practices - parafunctional habits - and effects of illness - addictions - medications and tobacco on the oral cavity Ability to assess the patient's medical - dental - anxiety/phobias - medications and comorbidities to administer safe patient care Ability to assess the impact of patient's medical and dental condition on maintaining oral health - recognize age-related changes in individual patients - adapt patient environment - and maximize patient's physical comfort Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09 The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-09 Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Duties Function or scope of assigned duties: Shows courtesy - respect - and positive attitude for patients - co-workers and the public Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns - provides service recovery Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover Handles instruments safely - accurately - and efficiently Provides gross debridement - deep prostheses - fixed and removable Manages dental recall system - referring patients to the doctor for additional care when needed Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols Provides patient education appropriate to the veterans needs and oral condition Prepares and provides individual and group oral health care instruction to inpatients - outpatients and caregivers Dental Imaging that are characterized by diagnostic quality - accurately oriented and exposed Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized - and retakes are minimized Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPS standards Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images Assists patients in scheduling appointments Assists in filling openings in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments Chart findings - treatment plans - and treatment provided in patient records Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPPA with written and verbal information Follows computer security regulations Modifies care as appropriate for patients age and abilities Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients Participates in patient identification and time out per TJC requirements Monitors patient condition during treatments - being alert for signs of physical distress Complies with Employee Education requirements Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions Instruct and supervise dental hygiene students Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - Intermittent Business Hours between 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs