Dental Hygienist

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a Dental Hygienist to deliver expert hygienic dental care to veterans in an outpatient clinic. The role involves patient education, preventive procedures, and managing complex medical histories. The ideal candidate will have an Associate degree in Dental Hygiene and a valid license. This is a full-time position with no telework options.

Qualifications

• Must possess an Associate degree from an accredited dental hygiene program.
• Must be currently licensed as a dental hygienist.
• Preferred experience is at least 2 years practicing as a Dental Hygienist.

Responsibilities

• Provide oral hygiene treatment and counseling to patients.
• Perform therapeutic and preventive procedures.
• Manage patient care and ensure infection control.

Skills

English Language Proficiency

Knowledge of hygiene procedures

Patient education

Education

Associate degree in Dental Hygiene

Job description

Summary

The Chalmers P. Wylie Veterans Outpatient Clinic is recruiting for a Dental Hygienist within Dental Service. The incumbent will provide expert hygienic dental care and management of patients in an outpatient dental clinic to the veteran population.

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: 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).
• Education: Applicants must possess an Associate degree or higher from an accredited dental hygiene program. The degree must have been obtained from an institution accredited in the year the course was completed. Approved programs are accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Education completed outside the U.S. must be equivalent to U.S. standards and enable the candidate to sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.
• Licensure: Must be currently licensed as a dental hygienist with a full, unrestricted license in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or District of Columbia.
• Certification: Must meet standards for radiologic procedures as per P.L 97-35 and 42 C.F.R. Part 75, including successful completion of an accredited educational program and certification as a radiographer.
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English, in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• Grade Determinations: For GS-09, at least one year of experience at the GS-8 level demonstrating clinical competencies. Additional KSAs include knowledge of hygiene procedures, radiography, fluoride application, detection skills, patient education, and assessment abilities. Preferred experience is at least 2 years practicing as a Dental Hygienist.

Duties

• Provide oral hygiene treatment and counseling to patients on oral health maintenance.
• Perform therapeutic and preventive procedures, including managing patients with complex medical histories or special needs.
• Refer patients to dentists as necessary.
• Set up operatory, handle instruments, and follow SOPs.
• Manage patient care, including routine prophylaxis, scaling, root planning, and managing the dental recall system.
• Support staff in advanced procedures and implant maintenance.
• Administer topical anesthetics and prepare anesthetic syringes; administer local anesthetic if licensed.
• Ensure infection control, patient education, radiographic imaging, and proper sterilization of instruments.
• Work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No telework or virtual options available.