Dental Hygienist

U.S. Department of Defense; Missouri; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Defense is seeking a licensed Dental Hygienist to perform advanced oral procedures and examinations. This role requires thorough knowledge of dental practices, including the ability to interpret radiographs and provide patient care instructions. Candidates must possess a current dental license and be prepared for background security investigations.

Qualifications

• Must be currently licensed to practice as a dental hygienist.
• Experience in advanced prophylactic dental procedures and routine x-ray interpretation.
• Completion of background investigation required for employment.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced oral prophylaxis on patients.
• Examine teeth for plaque and periodontal disease.
• Interpret x-rays to identify abnormalities.

Skills

Advanced oral prophylaxis

Interpreting routine x-rays

Oral hygiene instruction

Education

Current dental hygienist license

Radiology certification

Job description

About the Position:

This position is an open continuous announcement. Multiple vacancies exist and may be filled from this announcement at any of the locations listed. We accept applications on an ongoing basis; qualified applicants will be considered as vacancies become available.

This is a Direct Hire Solicitation
Duties

• Perform complete and advanced oral prophylaxis on ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients.
• Make repairs and adjustments to teeth by smoothing rough edges, removing overhanging margins, reducing sharp edges, and inserting temporary fillings.
• Perform postoperative care and provide oral hygiene instruction.
• Examine teeth and surrounding tissue for evidence of plaque and periodontal disease.
• Interpret routine x-rays to identify tooth structures, calculus, and abnormalities.
• Examine patient's mouth, throat, and pharynx and refer abnormalities to Dentist.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• A Personnel Security Investigation is required.
• This position may have specific initial background investigation and periodic re-verification requirements since its duties may require interaction with children and youth under the age of eighteen (18) years of age on a recurring basis.
• Selectees may be required to sign a statement (Condition of Employment) consenting to seasonal influenza vaccinations or must provide a recognized exemption.
• This position is a Testing Designated Position subject to pre-employment screening and random drug testing. Selectees will be required to consent to participation in random drug urinalysis testing.
• A pre-placement medical examination may be required.
• Immunization screening may be required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position.
• May be required to obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Advanced certification (e.g., ALS) does not supersede BLS.
• Applicants may be required to be able to fulfill non-privileged professional credential requirements.
• This position may include shift work (evenings, weekends, holidays).
• This position may require rotating shifts (i.e. work schedule that requires employees to continuously rotate from one shift to another at predetermined intervals).
• This position may require the incumbent to work during irregular work hours which may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and/or varying work schedules.
• This position may require the incumbent to work on call during irregular work hours which may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and/or varying work schedules.
• Moderate to heavy lifting up to 25 pounds may be required.
• This position may require the incumbent to have tuberculosis testing.
• Additional requirements may be determined as positions arise and will be communicated during the hiring process if you are selected.

Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. 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; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Basic Requirement for Dental Hygienist:

Licensure: Must be currently licensed to practice as a dental hygienist in a State or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia.

Radiology Certification: Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, they must (1) 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 (2) be certified as radiographers in their field. The following meet these requirements:

(1) Persons employed by the Federal Government as radiologic personnel prior to the effective date of the regulation (January 13, 1986) who show evidence of current or fully satisfactory performance or certification of such from a licensed practitioner such as a doctor of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, podiatry, or chiropractic who prescribes radiologic procedures to others.

(2) Persons first employed by the Federal Government as radiologic personnel after the effective date of the regulation who (a) received training from institutions in a State or foreign jurisdiction that did not accredit training in that particular field at the time of graduation, or (b) practiced in a State or foreign jurisdiction that did not license that particular field or did not allow special eligibility to take a licensure examination for those who did not graduate from an accredited educational program, provided that such persons show evidence of training, experience, and competence as determined by OPM or the employing agency.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

Specialized Experience: To qualify based on your experience, your resume must describe at least one year of experience performing advanced prophylactic dental procedures; completing oral examinations; and performing or interpreting routine x-rays. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-06).

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. *For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.