Career Center

Summary

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.

Qualifications

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: Dental hygiene programs accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
• [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 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
• 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 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
• Non-certified individuals shall only provide care under the supervision of a certified dental hygienist at or above the full performance level
• Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level (GS-5) and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained
• Temporary appointments of non-certified dental hygienist may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment
• 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: In addition to the basic requirements outlined in paragraph 3.b. - the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates
• Dental Hygienist - GS-05 Experience
• None - beyond the basic requirements
• Dental Hygienist - GS-06 Experience
• At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-5)
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of oral prophylactic - therapeutic - and preventive procedures for periodontal diseases - or inflammation - or on patients with other medical and/or dental problems
• Knowledge of dental methods and techniques used in performing intra and extra oral procedures
• Ability to use communication techniques to encourage and inform individuals and groups
• Dental Hygienist - GS-07 Experience
• At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-6) 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: 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
• Practical knowledge of medical diseases - conditions - and chronic degenerative diseases as they relate to dental health and treatment
• 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 (GS-7) 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: Knowledge of state-of-the-art preventive dentistry measures for patient instruction and training
• 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
• Knowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC) - Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - and related regulations and guidelines pertaining to dental matters
• Skill in providing individual and group oral health care instructions to inpatients - outpatients - Nursing Home Care Unit patients - etc
• Dental Hygienist - GS-09 Experience
• At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-8) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities
• In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-8 level - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of hygiene procedures to explain the process and indication - complications and expected treatment outcomes for each
• Knowledge of proper usage of dental radiography equipment - radiation safety - assessment of proper image capture and interpretation of films
• Knowledge to select appropriate available fluoride products and indications/limitations for safe and proper application
• Skill in detecting plaque and calculus - dental abnormalities/pathologies - assessing inflammation and providing safe instrumentation for each procedure
• 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
• Ability to assess the patient's medical - dental - anxiety/phobias - medications and comorbidities to administer safe patient care
• 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
• 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-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-9. **Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis until the closing date of this open continuous announcement - as long as vacancies exist.**

Duties

• The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers
• This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest
• As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care - you will operate in a model with three core elements - seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran
• This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community
• This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being
• Major duties include but are not limited to: a
• 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 b
• Patient Care Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover Handles instruments safely - accurately - and efficiently Performs dental prophylaxis and periodontal maintenance procedures using hand and ultrasonic instruments to include gross debridement - curettage - scaling & root planning - tooth polishing & application of topical fluoride solutions
• 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 Administers localized antimicrobial agents in periodontal pockets when indicated
• Makes impressions for fluoride carrier trays Administers topical and/or local anesthetic agents (per state license) Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols Conducts head and neck examinations and complete intraoral inspection of the hard and soft tissue and seeks consultation with dentist to assess abnormal findings
• Keeps operatory supplied with all necessary equipment - instruments and disposable supplies needed for the proper treatment of patients
• c
• 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 d
• Dental Imaging Images are characterized by diagnostic quality - accurately oriented and exposed Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized - and retakes are minimized e
• 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 Maintains integrity of instruments with proper routine sharpening and maintenance per manufacture instructions
• Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images Wear appropriate protective attire and assure that the patient is provided eye protection during procedures
• f
• Clerical Functions Assists patients in scheduling appointments via VA scheduling software
• Assists in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments Charts findings - treatment plans - and treatment provided in patient records Accurately codes for type of treatment administered - electronically - by way of VA charting system g
• Information Management Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information Follows computer security regulations h
• 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 Performs procedures - such as medical and dental history review to search for evidence of past and present conditions which may complicate or alter dental hygiene treatment
• i
• Employee Education Complies with Employee Education requirements Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions Prepares and presents monthly Safety Training to Dental Service Staff Work Schedule: Thursday-Friday 7:30-4pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized