Career Center

Current, permanent VA employees or Federal employees from another agency should apply under CBST-11580710-22-AK. 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. It is expected that they provide direct patient care and receive guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients. 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 must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 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: (1) Dental hygiene programs accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). (2) [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 (1) 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. (2) 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. (a) 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. (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 Grade Determinations: Dental Hygienist, GS-5 Experience. None, beyond the basic requirements. Dental Hygienist, GS-6 Experience. At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). 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 Dental Hygienist, GS-7 Experience. At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. 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. 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 **SEE REQUIREMENTS LISTED UNDER ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW** Preferred Experience: Recruiting for a well rounded Registered Dental Hygienist who enjoys working with an adult population and has advanced periodontal knowledge and skills including local anesthesia license. References: VA Handbook 5005/146, Part II Appendix G37, Dental Hygienist Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. 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: Light lifting (under 15 pounds), light carrying (under 15 pounds), use of fingers, walking, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, specific visual requirement (correct 20/30 each eye), hearing (aid permitted). (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services). ["The duties of the Dental Hygienist in the Dental Service include, but not limited to:\nCustomer Service/Veteran Centered Care 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. Delivers care that reflects the Veterans and the family's personal goals, personal preferences, and freedom of choice. Demonstrates knowledge and application of patient and family centered care in written care plans, instructions to patients, and in observation of the actual care provided. Demonstrates non-judgmental understand of the Veterans and family's knowledge, values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds. Demonstrates collaborative orientation to working with patients and families Patient Care Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Assess patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications and comorbidities. Assess the impact of patient's medical and dental condition on maintaining oral health. Recognize age-related changes in individual patients, adapts patient environment, and maximizes patient's physical comfort. Provides routine oral prophylactic care to include application of appropriate fluoride solutions. Provides gross debridement, scaling and root planning procedures. Cleans dental prostheses, fixed and removable. Manages dental recall system, referring patients to the doctor for additional care when needed. Makes impressions for fluoride carrier trays, study models and nightguards. Administers topical anesthetic agents and local anesthetics. Applies desensitizing and sealant materials, sulcular antibiotics and antimicrobials per direction of the dentist. Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols. Patient Education Provides patient education appropriate to the Veterans needs and oral condition. Explains hygiene procedures, indications, complications and expected outcomes to individual patient and caregiver. 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 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 Sterile Processing Service (SPS) 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). Modifies care based on patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications and comorbidities. Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients. Participates in patient identification and time out per Joint Commission (JC) requirements. Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. Employee Education Complies with Employee Education requirements. Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 564-00019-F\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]