Summary The Dental Hygienist provides direct patient care and receives guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients and requires only general supervision from a dentist. Responsibilities The duties of the Dental Hygienist include, but are not limited to: 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. Administers local anesthetic (per State license). Administers local anti-infective agents per direction of dentist. Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols. Customer Service: Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co- workers and public. Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns provides service recovery. 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 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 patient. Participates in patient information and time out per JCAHO requirements. Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs for physical distress. Employee Education: Complies with Employee Education requirements. Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions. Prepares and present monthly Safety training to Dental Service Line Staff. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm; Subject to change based on facility needs. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 580-02424F, 580-02425F, 580-02426F, 580-02427F, 580-02428F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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. English Language Proficiency. Dental Hygienist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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. 3) Exceptions for Non-Certified Dental Hygienist (a) 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. (b) Non-certified individuals shall only provide care under the supervision of a certified Dental Hygienist at or above the Full Performance Level. (c) Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained. (d) Temporary appointments of non-certified Dental Hygienists may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. (e) Failure to Obtain Certification. In all cases, Dental Hygienists must actively pursue meeting requirements for certification starting from the date of their appointment. 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 Experience. None, beyond the basic requirements. GS-06 Experience. At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-05). Resume must include average hours worked per week for work experience credit. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of oral prophylactic, therapeutic, and preventive procedures for periodontal diseases, or inflammation, or on patients with other medical and/or dental problems. 2. Knowledge of dental methods and techniques used in performing intra and extra oral procedures. 3. Ability to use communication techniques to encourage and inform individuals and groups. GS-07 Experience. At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-06) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Resume must include average hours worked per week for work experience credit. Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. 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. 2. Practical knowledge of medical diseases, conditions, and chronic degenerative diseases as they relate to dental health and treatment. 3. Knowledge of radiographic exposure techniques to produce radiographs of high diagnostic quality. GS-08 Experience. At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-07) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Resume must include average hours worked per week for work experience credit. Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-07 level, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of state-of-the-art preventive dentistry measures for patient instruction and training. 2. 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. 3. Knowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and related regulations and guidelines pertaining to dental matters. 4. Skill in providing individual and group oral health care instructions to inpatients, outpatients, Nursing Home Care Unit patients, etc. GS-09 Experience. At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-08) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Resume must include average hours worked per week for work experience credit. Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-08 level, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of hygiene procedures to explain the process and indication, complications and expected treatment outcomes for each. 2. Knowledge of proper usage of dental radiography equipment, radiation safety, assessment of proper image capture and interpretation of films. 3. Knowledge to select appropriate available fluoride products and indications/limitations for safe and proper application. 4. Skill in detecting plaque and calculus, dental abnormalities/pathologies, assessing inflammation and providing safe instrumentation for each procedure. 5. 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. 6. Ability to assess the patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications and comorbidities to administer safe patient care. 7. 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. SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR CONTINUED REQUIREMENTS Education QUALIFICATIONS CONTINUED Preferred Experience: Minimum of two years of experience in specialty care preferred. Experience providing dental hygiene for medically complex patients preferred. Minimum of two years of experience in a high-volume clinic setting preferred. 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. Additional Information During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
