Dental Hygienist

U.S. Department of Defense; Village of Highland Falls (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A permanent position for a Dental Hygienist is available at the Defense Health Agency, located in West Point, NY. The candidate will be tasked with performing oral examinations, patient education, and overseeing oral health procedures in a clinical setting. Essential qualifications include a valid state license, graduation from an accredited program, and relevant experience. This role operates within a federal healthcare system emphasizing patient care and public health standards.

Qualifications

• Incumbent must possess a valid state dental hygienist license.
• At least one year of specialized experience in dental hygiene.
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) required.

Responsibilities

• Inspect the mouth and throat for evidence of disease such as oral cancer.
• Perform postoperative care and provide oral hygiene instruction.
• Complete preliminary dental examinations on new dental service patients.

Skills

Prophylactic dental procedures

Oral examinations

Interpretation of routine x-rays

Education

Graduation from an accredited Dental Hygiene Program

Current licensure as a dental hygienist

Tools

Radiologic procedures certification

Job description

About the Position:

This is a permanent position with DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY DHN EASTARMY COMM HOSP KELLER DIR OF DENTAL CLINICAL DENTISTRY A, located in West Point, NY 10996.

This is a Direct Hire Solicitation.

Duties

1. Inspect the mouth and throat for evidence of disease such as oral cancer.
2. Explain to patients the causes of periodontal disease and tooth decay.
3. Perform postoperative care and provide oral hygiene instruction.
4. Examine the teeth and surrounding tissues for evidence of plaque and periodontal disease and chart findings.
5. Complete preliminary dental examinations on new dental service patients.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. Tier 1 Security Investigation is required.
• This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
• 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.
• Selectees will be required to sign a statement (Condition of Employment) consenting to seasonal influenza vaccinations or must provide a recognized exemption.
• This position has been designated Inclement Weather Essential. In the event of severe weather conditions or emergency type situations, the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations.
• This position requires that you obtain and maintain a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Uniform will be required.
• Incumbent must possess a valid state dental hygienist license.
• Incumbent must be a graduate of a Dental Hygiene Program that meets or exceeds the standards described in 42 CFR Part 75.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience includes paid, unpaid, and volunteer work through programs like Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or other organizations. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying by education, transcripts are required.

Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Basic Requirement for GS-0682-07 Dental Hygienist:

Radiology Certification: Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. They must have completed an accredited educational program and be certified as radiographers in their field. Requirements include:

• Persons employed by the Federal Government as radiologic personnel prior to January 13, 1986, with evidence of current or satisfactory certification.
• Persons employed after this date who received training from non-accredited institutions or practiced in non-licensed jurisdictions, with evidence of training, experience, and competence.

Licensure: Must be currently licensed to practice as a dental hygienist in a U.S. state or territory or D.C. (upload required).

Specialized Experience: At least one year of experience performing prophylactic dental procedures, completing oral examinations, and interpreting routine x-rays.