Summary

The Dental Hygienist provides direct patient care under the supervision of the dentist and performs other clinical and clerical functions under general 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:

• 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
• 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: GS-05 Dental Hygienist (a) Experience - None - beyond the basic requirements
• GS-06 Dental Hygienist (a) Experience
• At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level
• (b) 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 techniques to encourage and inform individuals and groups
• GS-07 Dental Hygienist (a) Experience
• At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• (b) 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
• GS-08 Dental Hygienist (a) Experience
• At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• (b) 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
• GS-09 Dental Hygienist (a) Experience
• At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• (b) 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
• Preferred Experience: Two years experience including periodnotal therapy procedures
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• 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: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation - see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
• May require standing - lifting - carrying - sitting - stooping - bending - puling - and pushing
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
• Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions
• the area is adequately lighted - heated - and ventilated
• However - the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

Duties

• Major duties for the position include (but are not limited to): Customer Service - Shows courtesy - respect - and a positive attitude for patients - co-workers and the public
• Assists customers with questions or concerns
• Patient Care - Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover;- Handles instruments safely - accurately - and efficiently;- Provides routine oral prophylactic care to include application of fluoride solutions- Provides gross debridement - deep scaling - and curettage and root planning procedures- Cleans dental prostheses - fixed and removable- Manages dental recall system - referring patients to the doctor for additional care when needed-Administers topical anesthetic agents;- Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols
• Patient Education - Provides patient education appropriate to the Veteran's needs and oral condition;- Provides 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;- Uses appropriate communication techniques to encourage and inform
• Dental Imaging -Takes radiographic images characterized by high diagnostic quality - accurate orientation and proper exposure- Retakes are infrequent and at the direction of the dentist;- Utilizes dental-imaging safety techniques
• Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization - Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory;- Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized - and retakes are minimized- Properly prepares instruments for sterilization by SPS standards;- Prepares instruments efficiently in a manner that does not delay clinical care
• Demonstrates proper infection-control procedures in exposing images
• Clerical Functions- Clerical Functions Assists patients in scheduling appointments
• - Assists in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments;- Assists patients in scheduling appointments- Charts findings 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)- Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients- Participates in patient identification and time out per JCAHO 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- Maintains all continuing education requirements for professional licensure - certifications - etc
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm - subject to change based on the needs of the facility
• Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #:01422 -01423 -01424 -01425 -01420 -01421F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized