Dental Hygienist

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; Virginia, Hampton (MN, VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization is seeking a Dental Hygienist to provide direct patient care and perform clinical and clerical functions. The role requires an Associate degree in Dental Hygiene and a current license. The position emphasizes patient education, safety, and infection control, with a work schedule from Monday to Friday.

Qualifications

• Currently licensed to practice as a dental hygienist.
• Experience with veteran patients preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides routine and advanced dental procedures.
• Conducts oral health instruction tailored to patient needs.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and follows security regulations.

Skills

English Language Proficiency

Education

Associate degree in Dental Hygiene

Job description

Summary

The Dental Hygienist provides direct patient care under the general supervision of the dentist and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision.

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:

1. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
2. 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.
3. Licensure/Certification: 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.
4. 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. 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 and meet the requirement for certification as dental radiographers.
5. English Language Proficiency: Dental hygienist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

Grade Determinations:

1. Dental Hygienist - GS-05 (a) Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.
2. Dental Hygienist - GS-06 (a) Experience: At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level.
3. Dental Hygienist - GS-07 (a) Experience: At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
4. Dental Hygienist - GS-08 (a) Knowledge of state-of-the-art preventive dentistry measures for patient instruction and training, anatomy and physiology for interpreting examination requests, understanding of regulatory guidelines, and skills in providing oral health instructions.
5. Dental Hygienist - GS-09 (a) Experience: At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level demonstrating clinical competencies.

Preferred Experience: Care of veteran patients with compromised health conditions as it relates to dental treatment and procedures.

References: VA Handbook 5005/146 PART II Appendix G37. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected ranges from GS-5 to GS-9.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 for requirements.

Duties

• Customer Service: Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers, and the public. Provides assistance with questions or concerns and service recovery.
• Patient Care: Sets up operatory, handles instruments safely, provides routine and advanced dental procedures, manages dental recall, and applies desensitizing and sealant materials.
• Patient Education: Provides education tailored to patient needs, conducts oral health instruction, and prepares patients for procedures.
• Dental Imaging: Produces diagnostic-quality images, adheres to safety techniques, and minimizes retakes.
• Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization: Demonstrates proper procedures, prepares instruments per standards, and ensures safety in imaging.
• Clerical Functions: Assists with scheduling and documentation in patient records.
• Information Management: Maintains patient confidentiality and follows security regulations.
• Patient Safety: Modifies care based on patient age and abilities, provides clear instructions, monitors patient condition, and participates in safety protocols.
• Employee Education: Completes safety training, presents monthly safety sessions, and supervises students.
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm. Telework is not available. This is not a virtual position.