Career Center

This position is located at the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center to include all CBOC, PTOC, and Rural Health Clinics. This position provides direct support to the Patient Aligned Care Teams at Walla Walla-WA, Richland-WA, La Grande-OR, Lewiston-ID, Yakima-WA, Enterprise-OR, and Boardman-OR sites. Candidates at this grade level serve as (1) staff dental hygienists performing advanced clinical techniques, or serve as instructors for a dental hygiene program, or (2) in a lead or supervisory capacity for lower graded dental hygienist and/or dental assistants. Employees plan, coordinate, and conduct preventive oral health programs for various patient groups; develop and modify instructional methods; and develop methods for evaluating the effectiveness of the preventive dentistry program. Employees work closely with, and under the general direction of, a dentist or periodontist. Candidate performs these advanced techniques, or these responsibilities as listed at least 25% of the time. 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. Other Functions: Customer Service: - 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 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 Applies desensitizing and sealant materials - Makes impressions for fluoride carrier trays Administers topical anesthetic agents - Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols Expanded duties: - Administers local anesthetic for restorative procedures, places a rubber dam with appropriate clamp, places restorative material, contours fillings, checks occlusion, and polishes restorations. Places temporary fillings when indicated Patient Education: - Provides patient education appropriate to the veteran's needs and oral condition - Prepares and provides individual and group oral health care instruction to inpatients, outpatients, and caregivers 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 SPD 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) 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 Work Schedule for Walla Walla: Monday through Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Financial Disclosure Report: Not required