Dental Hygienist (Advanced Clinical)

This position is eligible for Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy & submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Dental hygienists at this level are advanced-level practitioners in assigned areas. The dental hygienist provides direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently. Employees work closely with a dentist, periodontist, or other specialists. Major duties may include, but are not limited to: FUNCTIONS OR SCOPES OF PRACTICE. Employee performs higher-level duties at least 25% of the time consisting of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety. Higher-level duties include, but are not limited to, advanced patient assessments/clinical evaluations (blood glucose levels, medication reconciliation, oral cancer screening, dietary analysis for caries risk, pulse oximeter, comprehensive periodontal charting), prophylaxis in complex restorative cases. Utilizes advanced medical assessment techniques (interviewing patients and evaluating clinical findings such as normal and critical lab values) and adapts treatment based on medical and psychological issues. Patient Care 1) Review medical history. 2) Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. 3) Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care 4) Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. 5) Provides gross debridement, deep scaling, and root planning procedures. 6) Cleans dental prostheses, fixed and removable. 7) Applies desensitizing and sealant materials. 8) Administers topical and injectable local anesthetic agents. 9) Performs Oral Screenings of inpatients on wards and coordinates dental care as necessary. 10) Ensures productivity is maintained at the established level. 11) Manages dental recall system, referring patients to the doctor for additional care when needed. Dental Imaging 1) Take diagnostic quality images that are accurately oriented and exposed. 2) Utilizes dental-imaging safety techniques with minimal retakes. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization 1) Demonstrate proper infection-control procedures in setting up and cleaning up 2) Properly prepares instruments for sterilization by SPS standards. 3) Prepares instruments in a manner that does not delay clinical care. Clerical Functions 1) Directs MSA team on patient scheduling through Return to Clinic Orders. 2) Assists in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments. Information Management 1) Maintain patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information. 2) Follows computer security regulations. Patient Safety 1) Modifies care as appropriate for patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position). 2) Participates in patient identification and time out per TJC requirements. 3) Provides patient education appropriate to the Veteran's needs and oral condition. 4) Explains hygiene procedures, indications, complications and expected outcomes to individual patients and caregivers. Employee Education 1) Comply with Employee Education requirements. 2) Completes mandatory annual training sessions. 3) Maintains all continuing education requirements for professional licensure, certifications, etc Work Schedule: Monday - Friday | 6:30am - 3:00pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 60467F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHAEDRPFacilityCoordinators@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.