Dental Hygienist
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 supervisionResponsibilities Patient Care (1) Performs as a clinician and educational specialist providing therapeutic and preventive procedures for the basic hygiene patient and receives guidance from higher level supervisory staff on patients with advanced periodontal disease complicated by other dental and medical problems(2) Makes a determination as to which treatment to performUpon referral by staff dentists, performs subgingival scaling, root planning and gingival curettage treatment to patients presenting with a variety of abnormal conditions such as extreme apprehension, mental disorders and xerostomla(3) Performs additional procedures such as taking and developing dental xrays, recording medical and dental histories, reviewing patients dietary habits, administering caries prevention agents, desensitizing root surfaces, and instructing the patients in home care therapy and proper diet as these relate to oral health(4) Develops and revises oral health Instruction materials and educational techniques for patients with varied levels of dental knowledge and educational background(5) Schedules and treats oral hygiene patients and advises and counsels such patients on proper oral health maintenanceTreatment of patients includes prophylaxis, dietary planningoral hygiene instruction, root planning and scaling, and referral to appropriate dentist for consultation or treatment as necessary(6) Examines the oral cavity of each patient and notes any abnormal pathology(7) Assists a dentist by performing such activities as suctioning and passing instruments in cases where a dentist needs an assistant and one is not availableClerical Functions (1) Displays skill in using VISTA, the Computerized Patient Recordkeeping Systems, and Appointment Management to retrieve patient Information and schedule appointments(2) Maintains patient confidentiality of written and verbal Information per HIPPA regulations(3) Follows computer security regulations(4) Assists In covering the reception area, greeting patients, and answering phone calls when neededWork Schedule:
Monday - Friday (8:
00am - 4:
30pm) Telework:
Not Available Virtual:
This is not a virtual positionRelocation/Recruitment Incentives:
Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS):
Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.
SCitizen to apply for this jobAll applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointmentApplicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VASelective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959Must be proficient in written and spoken EnglishYou may be required to serve a probationary periodSubject to background/security investigationSelected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding processMust pass pre-employment physical examinationParticipation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See Additional Information below for detailsQualifications 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 metBasic Requirements:
United States Citizenship:
Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA PolicyEducationApplicants must possess an associate degree or higher from an accredited dental hygiene programThe degree must have been obtained from an institution whose accreditation was in place for the year in which the course of study was completedApproved 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 ExaminationsLicensure/Certification LicensureApplicants 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 ColumbiaCertificationP.
L97-35, Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act Of 1981, requires persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 C.
F.
RPart 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs for and the Credentialing of Radiologic PersonnelTo 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 fieldAccredited dental hygiene programs contain curriculum addressing radiologic procedures meets the requirement for certification as dental radiographersExceptions 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 YearsForeign EducationTo be creditable, education completed outside the U.
Smust be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.
Sprogram by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentialsPhysical RequirementsSee VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirementsEnglish Language ProficiencyDental 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 candidatesDental Hygienist, GS-05 ExperienceNone, beyond the basic requirementsAssignmentEmployees at this level serve in entry level dental hygienist positionsDental Hygienist, GS-06 ExperienceAt 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 problemsKnowledge of dental methods and techniques used in performing intra and extra oral proceduresAbility to use communication techniques to encourage and inform individuals and groupsDental Hygienist, GS-07 ExperienceAt least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-6) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that levelDemonstrated Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesIn 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 protocolsPractical knowledge of medical diseases, conditions, and chronic degenerative diseases as they relate to dental health and treatmentKnowledge of radiographic exposure techniques to produce radiographs of high diagnostic qualityDental Hygienist, GS-08 ExperienceAt least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-7) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that levelDemonstrated Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesIn 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 trainingKnowledge 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 viewingKnowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and related regulations and guidelines pertaining to dental mattersSkill in providing individual and group oral health care instructions to inpatients, outpatients, Nursing Home Care Unit patients, etcDental Hygienist, GS-09 ExperienceAt least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-8) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that levelDemonstrated Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesIn 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 eachKnowledge of proper usage of dental radiography equipment, radiation safety, assessment of proper image capture and interpretation of filmsKnowledge to select appropriate available fluoride products and indications/limitations for safe and proper applicationSkill in detecting plaque and calculus, dental abnormalities/pathologies, assessing inflammation and providing safe instrumentation for each procedureSkill 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 cavityAbility to assess the patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications and comorbidities to administer safe patient careAbility 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 comfortReferences:
VA Handbook 5005/146 Part II Appendix G37 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-9Education IMPORTANT:
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on educationNote:
Only education or degrees recognized by the U.
SDepartment of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employmentYou can verify your education here:
http:
//ope.
ed.
gov/accreditation/If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that educationFor further information, visit:
https:
//sites.
ed.
gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave:
Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employeeSelected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experienceThis credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leaveSuch credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteedThis job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacanciesThis position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive statusVA encourages persons with disabilities to applyThe health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authorityPursuant to VHA Directive 1193.
01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.
e.
, medical, religious or pregnancy)VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locationsIf selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start dateThe agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation processIf 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.
Recommended Skills Administration Anatomy Clinical Works Consulting Credentialing Dentistry Apply to this job.
Think you're the perfect candidate? Apply on company site $('.
external-apply-email-saved').
on('click', function (event) window.
ExternalApply = window.
open('/interstitial?jobdid=j3n4cy69zw3kd2vjw8p', 'ExternalApply-j3n4cy69zw3kd2vjw8p'); ); Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Monday - Friday (8:
00am - 4:
30pm) Telework:
Not Available Virtual:
This is not a virtual positionRelocation/Recruitment Incentives:
Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS):
Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.
SCitizen to apply for this jobAll applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointmentApplicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VASelective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959Must be proficient in written and spoken EnglishYou may be required to serve a probationary periodSubject to background/security investigationSelected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding processMust pass pre-employment physical examinationParticipation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See Additional Information below for detailsQualifications 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 metBasic Requirements:
United States Citizenship:
Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA PolicyEducationApplicants must possess an associate degree or higher from an accredited dental hygiene programThe degree must have been obtained from an institution whose accreditation was in place for the year in which the course of study was completedApproved 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 ExaminationsLicensure/Certification LicensureApplicants 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 ColumbiaCertificationP.
L97-35, Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act Of 1981, requires persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 C.
F.
RPart 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs for and the Credentialing of Radiologic PersonnelTo 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 fieldAccredited dental hygiene programs contain curriculum addressing radiologic procedures meets the requirement for certification as dental radiographersExceptions 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 YearsForeign EducationTo be creditable, education completed outside the U.
Smust be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.
Sprogram by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentialsPhysical RequirementsSee VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirementsEnglish Language ProficiencyDental 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 candidatesDental Hygienist, GS-05 ExperienceNone, beyond the basic requirementsAssignmentEmployees at this level serve in entry level dental hygienist positionsDental Hygienist, GS-06 ExperienceAt 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 problemsKnowledge of dental methods and techniques used in performing intra and extra oral proceduresAbility to use communication techniques to encourage and inform individuals and groupsDental Hygienist, GS-07 ExperienceAt least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-6) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that levelDemonstrated Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesIn 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 protocolsPractical knowledge of medical diseases, conditions, and chronic degenerative diseases as they relate to dental health and treatmentKnowledge of radiographic exposure techniques to produce radiographs of high diagnostic qualityDental Hygienist, GS-08 ExperienceAt least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-7) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that levelDemonstrated Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesIn 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 trainingKnowledge 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 viewingKnowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and related regulations and guidelines pertaining to dental mattersSkill in providing individual and group oral health care instructions to inpatients, outpatients, Nursing Home Care Unit patients, etcDental Hygienist, GS-09 ExperienceAt least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-8) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that levelDemonstrated Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesIn 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 eachKnowledge of proper usage of dental radiography equipment, radiation safety, assessment of proper image capture and interpretation of filmsKnowledge to select appropriate available fluoride products and indications/limitations for safe and proper applicationSkill in detecting plaque and calculus, dental abnormalities/pathologies, assessing inflammation and providing safe instrumentation for each procedureSkill 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 cavityAbility to assess the patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications and comorbidities to administer safe patient careAbility 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 comfortReferences:
VA Handbook 5005/146 Part II Appendix G37 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-9Education IMPORTANT:
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on educationNote:
Only education or degrees recognized by the U.
SDepartment of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employmentYou can verify your education here:
http:
//ope.
ed.
gov/accreditation/If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that educationFor further information, visit:
https:
//sites.
ed.
gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave:
Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employeeSelected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experienceThis credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leaveSuch credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteedThis job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacanciesThis position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive statusVA encourages persons with disabilities to applyThe health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authorityPursuant to VHA Directive 1193.
01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.
e.
, medical, religious or pregnancy)VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locationsIf selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start dateThe agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation processIf 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.
Recommended Skills Administration Anatomy Clinical Works Consulting Credentialing Dentistry Apply to this job.
Think you're the perfect candidate? Apply on company site $('.
external-apply-email-saved').
on('click', function (event) window.
ExternalApply = window.
open('/interstitial?jobdid=j3n4cy69zw3kd2vjw8p', 'ExternalApply-j3n4cy69zw3kd2vjw8p'); ); Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
|
|
 | |
