Dental Hygienist

Full Job Description

The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System seeks a Dental Hygienist to provide direct patient care, perform clinical and clerical tasks, and plan preventive oral health programs.

The role includes developing instructional methods and evaluating preventive dentistry program effectiveness under a dentist's general direction.

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2026 or until all positions are filled.

Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

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 met.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS Citizenship Be a Citizen of the United States.

Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with [38 U.S.C § 7407(a), Administrative Provisions for Section 7405 and 7406 Appointments.

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 meeting 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, not to exceed two years, as a graduate dental hygienist pending certification (GS-5 level only).

English Language Proficiency Dental hygienist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

GRADE DETERMINATIONS - In addition to the basic requirements outlined, 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.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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 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 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 Knowledge of hygiene procedures to explain the process and indication, complications, and expected treatment outcomes for each.

Knowledge of the 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 the 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: Light carrying under 15 pounds and reaching above the shoulder.

Both hands are necessary for the role, as well as the ability to walk or stand for 8-10 hours and perform repeated bending.

Both legs are required, and the position demands specific visual requirements for discerning small details.

The candidate must have the ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, with both eyes required for accurate depth perception and color distinction.

Additionally, good hearing ability is essential for this role. Major Duties:

Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

Customer Service: Demonstrate courtesy, respect, and maintain a positive attitude towards patients, co-workers, management, and the public.

Assist customers with their questions or concerns and provide service recovery as needed.

Patient Care: Prepare the operatory for planned dental procedures and ensure timely turnover of the dental unit. Handle dental instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently.

Provide routine oral care, including fluoride treatment and gross debridement, scaling, and root planning.

Clean dental prostheses (both fixed and removable) and manage the dental recall system in consultation with the doctor for additional care.

Administer topical anesthetic agents and perform all procedures in accordance with standard infection-control protocols.

Patient Education: Offer patient education tailored to the Veteran's needs and oral condition. Conduct individual and group oral health care instruction sessions for patients and caregivers.

Dental Imaging: Take high-quality radiographic images with accurate orientation and proper exposure, with minimal need for retakes as directed by the dentist. Follow dental-imaging safety protocols.

Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization: Demonstrate proper infection-control procedures when setting up and cleaning the operatory.

Prepare instruments for sterilization following SPS standards, ensuring no delays in clinical care. Follow proper infection-control procedures during image exposure.

Clerical Functions: Assist patients in scheduling their appointments and fill gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations or failed appointments.

Chart findings and treatment provided in patient records. Information Management: Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA guidelines. Follow computer security regulations.

Patient Safety: Adjust care appropriately based on patient's age and abilities, including patient transfer and positioning. Provide clear and accurate instructions to patients.

Participate in patient identification and time-out procedures per TJC requirements. Monitor patient condition during treatment and be alert for signs of physical distress.

Employee Education: Comply with Employee Education requirements and complete mandatory annual training sessions. Meet all CE requirements for licensing.

Additional Responsibilities: Perform other duties as assigned, depending on the grade level selected for.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 635-54404A, 635-54405A, 635-54406A, 635-54407A, 635-54408A