Dental Hygienists perform a wide variety of interventions which contribute to the overall oral health of Veterans. Their work requires a professional knowledge of the field of dental hygiene and the biomedical sciences related to dentistry.
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 must be proficient in spoken & written English. Education( Submit Transcripts) 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 (Submit a active/current copy). 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 (Submit a active/current copy) 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 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. Failure to Obtain Certification. In all cases, dental hygienists must actively pursue meeting requirements for certification starting from the date of their appointment. At the time of appointment, the dental hygienist supervisor will provide the dental hygienist with the written requirements for licensure/certification, including the time by which the licensure/certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline. Management officials will remove dental hygienists from their positions who fail to obtain licensure/certification during this time period, which may result in termination of employment 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-5 Dental Hygienist (Entry Level) (a) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-6 Dental Hygienist (Developmental Level 1) Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level.(b) Assignment. Employees at this level serve as developmental level 1 dental hygienists. 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 GS-7 Dental Hygienist (Developmental Level 2) Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level 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; and Knowledge of radiographic exposure techniques in order to produce radiographs of high diagnostic quality. GS-8 Dental Hygienist (Developmental Level 3) Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-7 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; Skill in providing individual and group oral health care instructions to inpatients, outpatients, Nursing Home Care Unit patients, etc.; and Knowledge of VA, The Joint Commission (TJC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and related regulations and guidelines pertaining to dental matters. GS-9 Dental Hygienist (Full Performance Level) Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level 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: Ability to assess the patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications and comorbidities for 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; Skill in detecting plaque and calculus, dental abnormalities/pathologies, assessing inflammation and providing safe instrumentation for each procedure; Knowledge to select appropriate available fluoride products and indications/limitations for safe and proper application; Knowledge of hygiene procedures in order 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; 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.
GS-682-5 -Dental Hygienist (Entry Level) The Entry-Level Dental Hygienist provides direct patient care under the supervision of the dentist and receives daily and direct guidance at the site of work from higher-level or supervisory staff members. GS-682-6-Dental Hygienist ( Developmental Level 1) The Dental Hygienist provides direct patient care under the direct supervision of the dentist and/or a senior dental hygienist. Other clinical and clerical functions are performed under general supervision. GS-682-7-Dental Hygienist ( Developmental Level 2) Performing more complex work while receiving less frequent supervision GS-682-8-Dental Hygienist ( Developmental Level 3) Employees at this level serve as developmental level 3 staff dental hygienists, performing direct patient care under the general supervision of the dentist, and receive guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members only for the most complex patients. GS-682-9-Dental Hygienist ( Full Performance Level) 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. Administers local anesthetic (per State license). Administers local anti-infective agents per direction of dentist. Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols. 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 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 JCACHO requirements. 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. Prepares and presents Safety Training to Dental Service Staff. Work Schedule: M-F, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 70212-F, 71201-F, 71202-F, 71203-F & 70213-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized