Summary

The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information - refer to Required Documents below. Provides preventive dental care and education to Veterans - including oral prophylaxis - scaling - root planing - radiographs - and patient education. Ensures infection control - safety - and documentation standards are met. Works under a dentist's supervision to promote oral health - wellness - and optimal patient outcomes through quality - compassionate care.

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: (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
• 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
• English Language Proficiency
• Dental hygienist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f)
• 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
• Grandfathering Provision
• 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)
• 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
• Physical Requirements
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements
• Grade Determinations: 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
• 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 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 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 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.vi
• 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-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: Moderate lifting - 15-44 pounds
• Moderate carrying - 15-44 pounds
• Use of fingers
• Both hands required
• Walking (4 hours)
• Standing (4 hours)
• Specific visual requirement (DVA & NVA Binocular 20/20)
• Ability to distinguish basic colors
• Ability to distinguish shades of colors - Hearing (aid may be permitted)
• Mental & Emotional stability

Duties

• Removes plaque - calculus - and stains from teeth using scaling and root planing techniques Teaches patients how to improve their oral hygiene and prevent gum disease Takes and reviews dental X-rays to help diagnose oral health conditions Keeps patients on a regular cleaning schedule and alerts the dentist when issues arise Applies fluoride - sealants - and desensitizing treatments as needed Follows strict sterilization and infection control procedures for all instruments and equipment Watches patients during treatment for any signs of pain - anxiety - or medical distress Accurately records all findings - treatments - and recommendations in the patient chart Provides oral health education to patients - families - and caregivers one-on-one or in groups Cleans and maintains dentures and other dental prosthetics Performs full gum and bone health charting to check for signs of periodontal disease Assesses and helps manage oral disease risks in patients with medical conditions Treats patients with complex medical needs - adjusting care and techniques as required Assists the dentist during complex or emergency dental procedures Gives local anesthesia or nitrous oxide for pain and anxiety control when licensed to do so Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized