Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. This job is open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies, and all US Citizens.

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Major Duties:
Customer Service - Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, coworkers, and the public. Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provide service recovery.
Patient Care - Sets up operatory for planned dental procedures and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Assists with initial or recall exams by taking radiographs and performing full mouth probing. Provides gross debridement and scaling/root planning/curettage procedures. Cleans dental prosthesis's - fixed and removable. Manages the dental recall system - refers patients to the
doctor/dentist for additional care when needed. Applies desensitizing and sealant materials. Makes impressions for fluoride carrier trays. Administers topical anesthetic agents and accomplishes all procedures within the standards of infection control protocols. Seven (7) clinical visits in an eight (8) hour day.
Patient Education - Provides patient education appropriate to the veteran's needs and oral condition and documents this in CPRS. Prepares and provides individual and group health care instruction to inpatients, outpatients, and caregivers.
Dental Imaging - Images that are taken (as ordered by a Dentist) are characterized by diagnostic quality and accurately oriented. Dental imaging safety techniques will be applied and retakes minimized. HIPAA protocols will be maintained during the imaging process at all times.
Infection Control & Equipment Sterilization - Demonstrate proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up the operatory. Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards. Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care. Demonstrate proper infection control. Demonstrate proper infection control protocols in exposing images. Meets all RME mandates. Follows COVID protocols
for all AGP's.
Clerical Functions - Assist patients in scheduling appointments. Assist in filling in gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments. Accurately chart findings, treatment plans, and the treatment provided in patient records. Assist in answering patient concerns and complaints. Enter dental notes for treatment provided no later than 72 hours.
Information Management - Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA protocols with written and verbal information. Follows computer security regulations throughout the clinic and work areas.
Patient Safety - Modifies care as appropriate for patients' age and abilities (patient transfer and position). Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients and caregivers. Participates in patient identification and time outs per Joint Commission
requirements. Monitors patient's condition during treatment - being alert for signs of physical, mental, and medical distress, complete CPRS suicide screening alerts.
Employee Education - Complies with employee education requirements for licensure and network access. Maintains responsibility for turning in updated licensures and certifications. Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions.
Specialty Functions - Administrates Anesthesia and/or Nitrous Oxide if licensed in the state the Hygienist received licensure. Accomplishes all procedures within the standards of infection control protocols. Monitors patient's condition during treatment for any signs of
medical emergency or distress.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 0800-1630 with occasional voluntary Saturday Clinic hours of 8:00AM-4:30PM
Telework: Not Available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 54714-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• 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 dentification 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.

Qualifications

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:

• 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.

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:
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:
i. Knowledge of oral prophylactic, therapeutic, and preventive procedures for periodontal diseases, or inflammation, or on patients with other medical and/or dental problems.
ii. Knowledge of dental methods and techniques used in performing intra and extra oral procedures.
iii. 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:
i. 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.
ii. Practical knowledge of medical diseases, conditions, and chronic degenerative diseases as they relate to dental health and treatment.
iii. 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:
i. Knowledge of state-of-the-art preventive dentistry measures for patient instruction and training.
ii. 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.
iii. Knowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and related regulations and guidelines pertaining to dental matters.
iv. 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:
i. Knowledge of hygiene procedures to explain the process and indication, complications and expected treatment outcomes for each.
ii. Knowledge of proper usage of dental radiography equipment, radiation safety, assessment of proper image capture and interpretation of films.
iii. Knowledge to select appropriate available fluoride products and indications/limitations for safe and proper application.
iv. Skill in detecting plaque and calculus, dental abnormalities/pathologies, assessing inflammation and providing safe instrumentation for each procedure.
v. 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.
vii. 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.

Preferred Experience:
1. 3-5 years Preferred Experience in dental hygiene
2. Advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standard dental procedures used in dental hygiene and periodontal care and procedures.
3. Ability to assess complex patient medical/dental history, social history, vital signs, full periodontal assessment and charting.
4. Ability to provide disease and treatment management recommendations, denture care, scaling and root planning.
5. Ability to independently provide procedure-specific patient education and appropriate referral of patient concerns to treating dentist.
6. Ability to capture standard and special dental images of good diagnostic quality in traditional or digital formats and know radiograph/image interpretation.
7. Ability to enter and retrieve data utilizing electronic dental records

Qualification will continue in Education Section below:

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.