Dental Hygienist

Summary

The Dental Hygienist at the Wilmington VA Clinic provides direct patient care under the general supervision of a Dentist assigned the Dental Service and performs other clinical functions independently of direct supervision.

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Duties

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The Dental Hygienist sets up operatory for planned dental procedure by cleaning dental unit for timely turnover and handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Takes and records vital signs, reviews medical history.
• Charts oral condition and assesses patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications, and comorbidities.
• Assesses the impact of patient's medical and dental condition on maintaining oral health.
• Perform dental prophylaxis and periodontal maintenance procedures using hand and ultrasonic instruments, to include gross debridement, curettage and scaling & root planning, tooth polishing & application of topical fluoride solutions.
• Applies appropriate topical fluoride solutions or varnishes.
• Cleans dental prostheses, fixed and removable.
• Administers topical anesthetic agents.
• Applies desensitizing agents.
• Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols..
• Explains hygiene procedures, indications, complications and expected outcomes to individual patients and caregivers.
• Prepares and provides education on periodontal disease, wellness, health maintenance, oral hygiene practices, parafunctional habits, and effect of illness, addictions, medications, and tobacco on the oral cavity.
• Dental Imaging-Proper usage of dental radiography equipment, radiation safety, assessment of proper image capture and interpretation of films.
• Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory.
• Assists patients in scheduling appointments via VA scheduling software.
• Manages dental recall system, referring patients to the doctor for additional care when needed.
• Performs other required duties as assigned.

Work Schedule : Monday-Friday 7:30AM to 4:00PM.

Telework : Not Available.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement # : 06712 F, 06713, 06714F, 06715F, 06716F.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives : Not Authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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 : Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency: Dental hygienist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• 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: 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.

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. Experience includes but is not limited to provide gross debridement, scaling and root planing procedures; take radiographic images characterized by high diagnostic quality, accurate orientation and proper exposure; provide individual and group oral health care instruction to patients and caregivers using knowledge of medical diseases, conditions, and chronic degenerative diseases as they relate to oral health under daily and direct supervision.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities . In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

i. Knowledge of oral prophylactic, therapeutic, and preventive procedures for periodontal diseases, or inflammation, or on patients with other medical and/or dental problems.

ii. Knowledge of dental methods and techniques used in performing intra and extra oral procedures.

iii. 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 that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Experience includes but is not limited to provide gross debridement, scaling and root planing procedures; take radiographic images characterized by high diagnostic quality, accurate orientation and proper exposure; provide individual and group oral health care instruction to patients and caregivers using knowledge of medical diseases, conditions, and chronic degenerative diseases as they relate to oral health under direct supervision.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

i. 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.

ii. Practical knowledge of medical diseases, conditions, and chronic degenerative diseases as they relate to dental health and treatment.

iii. 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 that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Experience includes but is not limited to Experience includes but is not limited to provide gross debridement, scaling and root planing procedures; take radiographic images characterized by high diagnostic quality, accurate orientation and proper exposure; provide individual and group oral health care instruction to patients and caregivers using knowledge of medical diseases, conditions, and chronic degenerative diseases as they relate to oral health under general supervision.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-07 level, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs.

i. Knowledge of state-of-the-art preventive dentistry measures for patient instruction and training.

ii. 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.

iii. Knowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and related regulations and guidelines pertaining to dental matters.

iv. 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. Experience includes but is not limited to provide gross debridement, scaling and root planing procedures; take radiographic images characterized by high diagnostic quality, accurate orientation and proper exposure; provide individual and group oral health care instruction to patients and caregivers using knowledge of medical diseases, conditions, and chronic degenerative diseases as they relate to oral health.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities . In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-8 level, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

i. Knowledge of hygiene procedures to explain the process and indication, complications and expected treatment outcomes for each.

ii. Knowledge of proper usage of dental radiography equipment, radiation safety, assessment of proper image capture and interpretation of films.

iii. Knowledge to select appropriate available fluoride products and indications/limitations for safe and proper application.

iv. Skill in detecting plaque and calculus, dental abnormalities/pathologies, assessing inflammation and providing safe instrumentation for each procedure.

v. 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.

vi. Ability to assess the patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications and comorbidities to administer safe patient care.

vii. 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.

Education

Exceptions for Non-Certified Dental Hygienist.:

(a) Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate dental hygienist , Temporary Full-Time Appointments, Part-Time Appointments and Without-Compensation Appointments for a Period Not to Exceed Two Years. (b) Non-certified individuals shall only provide care under the supervision of a certified dental hygienist at or above the full performance level.

(c) Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained. (d) Temporary appointments of non-certified dental hygienist may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.

(e) Failure to Obtain Certification In all cases, dental hygienists must actively pursue meeting requirements for certification starting from the date of their appointment. At the time of appointment, the dental hygienist supervisor will provide the dental hygienist with the written requirements for licensure/certification, including the time by which the licensure/certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline. Management officials will remove dental hygienists from their positions who fail to obtain licensure/certification during this time period, which may result in termination of employment

Loss of Credential: Management officials will remove dental hygienists from their positions who fail to maintain the required licensure/certification, which may also result in termination of employment.

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).

Grandfathering Provision: All individuals employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/trademark/registration/certification. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level or changed to lower grade within the occupation, 4 but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) Employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure/certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. (3) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (4) Employees who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. (5) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.

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.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit:

Additional information

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit

Preferred Experience: Prior Robust experience and current employment as a Dental Hygienist.

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.This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.