Career Center

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. Employees work closely with, and under the general direction of, a dentist or periodontist. 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: (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. 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 Dental Hygienist, GS-10 (Advanced Clinical) Grade Determinations Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that is directly related to the position being filled fully meets the KSAs at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-09 level, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of medical assessment techniques including interviewing and evaluating clinical findings (e.g. normal and critical lab values) to adapt treatment based on medical and psychological issues. Advanced knowledge of oral and dental anatomy including root anatomy, common pathologies and anomalies, and indications for advanced radiographic imaging and proper technique to detect potential abnormalities. Knowledge of medical treatment adjuncts and indications and the ability to safely administer medicaments (e.g. intrasulcular medicaments, local anesthesia, sulcular lavage, applying and removing periodontal surgical dressing). Knowledge of advanced adjunctive diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, indication for use and ability to utilize safely (e.g. sonic, magnetostrictive ultrasonic, and piezo ultrasonic scalers). Skill in providing safe and thorough prophylaxis, root planing and soft tissue curettage for complex periodontal and/or restorative cases and skill in providing safe care for patients with complex medical/psychiatric issues. Ability to apply adult education techniques/methods, organize curriculum, judge cognitive ability, and provide healthcare education regarding relationships between medical and dental pathologies to groups, interdisciplinary staff, and other outside contacts. Preferred Experience: Local Anesthetic License References: VA Handbook 5005/146 July 23, 2021 Part II Appendix G37 Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying, reaching above shoulders; use of fingers, use of both hands; walking, standing, sitting, repeated bending for extended periods of time while performing dental work; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. ["Duties include but are not limited to: Customer Service\n- Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers, and the public\n- Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery\n- Delivers care that reflects the Veteran's and the family's personal goals, personal preferences\n- 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 Patient Care\n- Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover\n- Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently\n- Assess clinical findings, including normal and critical lab results, and adapt care based on finding\n- Interview patient and assess patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications, and comorbidities\n- Assesses the impact of patient's medical and dental condition on maintaining oral health\n- Recognize age-related changes in individual patients, adapt patient environment, and maximize patient's physical comfort\n- Provides routine oral prophylaxis, gross debridement, soft tissue curettage, deep scaling and root planing procedures to patients with complex periodontal/restorative conditions and complex medical/psychiatric issues\n- Safely utilizes advanced adjunctive diagnostic and therapeutic equipment (e.g. sonic, magnetostrictive ultrasonic, and piezo ultrasonic scalers)\n- Cleans dental prostheses, fixed and removable\n- Manages dental recall system, referring patients to the doctor for additional care when needed\n- Evaluate patient's caries risk and select and apply appropriate fluoride solutions\n- Makes impressions for fluoride carrier trays\n- Administers topical anesthetic agents\n- Applies desensitizing and sealant materials\n- Administers local anesthetic (per State license)\n- Administers intrasulcular anti-infective agents and sulcular lavage per direction of dentist/periodontist Patient/ Healthcare Provider Education\n- Provides patient education appropriate to the Veteran's needs and oral condition\n- Explains hygiene procedures, indications, complications and expected outcomes to individual patient and caregiver\n- Prepares and provides education on periodontal disease, wellness, health maintenance, oral hygiene practices, and effect of illness, addictions, medications, and tobacco on the oral cavity Dental Imaging\n- Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed\n- Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized\n- Recognizes common pathologies and utilizes advanced radiographic technique (CBCT) and equipment to detect abnormalities Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization\n- Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory\n- Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPS standards\n- Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care\n- Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images Clerical Functions\n- Assists patients in scheduling appointments, places appropriate RTC orders\n- Assists in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments\n- Chart's findings, treatment plans, and treatment provided in patient records Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 6:45am to 4:15pm\nCompressed/Flexible: Available\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 54035-O\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]