Career Center

The Dental Hygienist provides direct patient care under the supervision of a Dentist and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. Assignments include but are not limited to: patient medical assessment (e.g. medical/dental history, social history, vital signs, full periodontal assessment and charting), disease and treatment management recommendations, denture care, scaling and root planning, radiographs/image interpretation, patient education (e.g. post-procedure, tobacco cessation, caries and perio-disease prevention, behavior management, management of stable medically compromised patients (including risk factors) instrument sharpening and inter-service communication. Duties include: 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 procedures and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Assists with initial or recall exam by taking radiographs and performing full mouth probing. Provides routine oral prophylactic care to include application of fluoride solutions. Provides gross debridement, deep scaling, and curettage and root planning procedures. Cleans dental prosthesis, 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 and accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols. Patient Education - Provides patient education appropriate to the veteran's needs and oral condition and document in CPRS. Prepares and provides individual and group oral health care instruction to inpatients, outpatient, and caregivers. Dental Imaging - Images are taken (as ordered by a Dentist) and characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization - Demonstrate 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. Meets all RME Mandates. 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. Assists in answering patient concerns. Information Management - Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information. Follows computer security regulations. Patient Safety - Modifies care as appropriate for patients' age and abilities (patient transfer and position). Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients. Participates in patient identification and time out per JC Joint Commission requirements and 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. Specialty Functions - Administrates Anesthesia if licensed in the state the Hygienist received the licensed, accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required