The Dental Hygienist provides direct patient care under the general supervision of the dentist and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. Basic Requirements Citizenship. Must be a Citizen of the United States. Education. Must Possess an Associate Degree or higher in an accredited dental hygiene program. This program must be accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Licensure. 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. English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determination GS-9: Must possess 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 all of the following KSA's: (a) Knowledge of hygiene procedures to explain the process and indication, complications and expected treatment outcomes for each. (b) Knowledge of proper usage of dental radiography equipment, radiation safety, assessment of proper image capture and interpretation of films. (c) Knowledge to select appropriate available fluoride products and indications/limitations for safe and proper application. (d) Skill in detecting plaque and calculus, dental abnormalities/pathologies, assessing inflammation and providing safe instrumentation for each procedure. (e) 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. (f) Ability to assess the patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications and comorbidities to administer safe patient care. (g) 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. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. References: VA Handbook 5005/146, Part II, Appendix G37. ["Duties include but are not limited to: Serves as dental hygienist planning and administering a hospital-wide preventive dentistry program Performs oral prophylaxis on inpatients and outpatients Screens patients' health histories to detect conditions requiring modification of treatment plans Provides preventive dentistry instruction to inpatients and outpatients Examines the oral cavity of each patient and notes any abnormal pathology Maintains a clean, organized operatory free of unnecessary clutter and unused equipment and supplies Handles sharps in a safe manner Disinfects dental equipment when appropriate following the Dental Department policies and procedures Wears protective barrier protection including gloves, mask and protective eyewear when appropriate Consistently responds to patients, families, visitors and co-workers requests for assistance promptly and in a friendly and cooperative manner Provides verbal and/or written information that is thorough and correct, using clear and precise communication methods to ensure that customers understand The employee recognizes the age related needs and demonstrates knowledge and care appropriate to that age group Displays skill in using VISTA, the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS), and Appointment Management to retrieve patient information and schedule appointments Complies with VHA Directives and local Policy regarding the use of the VistA Scheduling package Maintains patient confidentiality of written and verbal information per HIPPA regulations Assists in covering the reception area, greeting patients, and answering phone calls when needed Work Schedule: Monday-Thursday 6:45 am - 5:15 pm, Tuesday-Friday 6:45 am - 5:15 pm Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position."]

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