PLEASE READ THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE BEGINNING THE APPLICATION PROCESS TO ENSURE YOU SUBMIT ALL THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. This Job Opportunity Announcement will be used to fill a Dental Hygienist GS-0682-5/6/7/8/9 position in the main hospital to CBOC's at the VA in Oklahoma City. To qualify for this position you must meet all the requirements listed below by the closing date;:09/30/2022 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:Dental hygiene programs accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).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/Certification 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. 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 Fulltime Appointments, Part-Time Appointments and Without-Compensation Appointments for a Period Not to Exceed Two Years. Non-certified individuals shall only provide care under the supervision of a certified dental hygienist at or above the full performance level. 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 Knowledge of oral prophylactic, therapeutic, and preventive procedures for periodontal diseases, or inflammation, or on patients with other medical and/or dental problems. Knowledge of dental methods and techniques used in performing intra and extra oral procedures. 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: 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. Practical knowledge of medical diseases, conditions, and chronic degenerative diseases as they relate to dental health and treatment. 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: Knowledge of state-of-the-art preventive dentistry measures for patient instruction and training. 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 Knowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and related regulations and guidelines pertaining to dental matters. 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: Knowledge of hygiene procedures to explain the process and indication, complications and expected treatment outcomes for each. Knowledge of proper usage of dental radiography equipment, radiation safety, assessment of proper image capture and interpretation of films. Knowledge to select appropriate available fluoride products and indications/limitations for safe and proper application. Skill in detecting plaque and calculus, dental abnormalities/pathologies, assessing inflammation and providing safe instrumentation for each procedure. 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. Ability to assess the patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications and comorbidities to administer safe patient care. 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: * Examine oral soft tissue for periodontal disease * Routine oral prophylactic care to include application of fluoride solution * Gross debridement, deep scaling, and curettage and root planning procedures * administer topical anesthetic agents * Administer local anesthetic * Prophylaxis to patients with dental implants The full performance level of this announcement is a GS-09, we will be only considering applicants up the GS- 9 grade level. Physical Requirement: Able to meet the physical demands for the position, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Must have a good manual dexterity. Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken or written word. Must be able to view and read information on computer screens. ["Employees at this level serve as staff dental hygienists at the full performance level,\nreceiving little to no guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex\npatient issues. Employees plan, coordinate, and conduct preventive oral health programs for various patient\ngroups; develop and modify instructional methods; and develop methods for evaluating the\neffectiveness of the preventive dentistry program. Employees work closely with, and under\nthe general direction of a dentist or dental specialist. The Dental Hygienist provides direct patient care under the general supervision of the dentist\nand performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. Functions: Customer Service\nShows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public\nProvides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery.\nAbility to answer patient and family questions about dental eligibility Patient Care\nReviews medical/dental history and consults medical/dental providers as necessary.\nSets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover and always adheres to universal precautions.\nHandles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently.\nProvides routine oral prophylactic care to include application of fluoride solutions and resins.\nProvides gross debridement, scaling and root planning procedures, mechanical and laser curettage.\nprocedures as indicated and with equipment availability.\nCleans dental prostheses; fixed and removable.\nManages dental recall system as directed by management.\nApplies desensitizing and sealant materials, and sulcular antibiotics and antimicrobials per direction of dentist.\nMakes impressions for fluoride carrier trays, study models and night guards.\nAdministers topical and local anesthetic agents.\nMonitors dental assistant polishing as necessary.\nAccomplishes periodontal probing as necessary.\nAccomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols.\nProvides dental assisting duties as necessary.\nProvides local anesthesia as necessary. Patient Education\nProvides patient education appropriate to the Veteran's needs and oral conditions\nPrepares and provides individual and group oral health care instruction to inpatients, outpatients,\nand caregivers. Dental Imaging\nImages are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed using digital\nintra-oral radiography, panoramic image, and working knowledge of the digital systems\nPlanmeca, Midmark, and MIPACS Software.\nDental imaging safety techniques are utilized Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization\nDemonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up/cleaning the operatory and\ndelivery of care\nInstruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care\nDemonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images\nFollows clinic SOP for cleaning and disinfecting reusable medical equipment. Clerical Functions\nAssists patients in selecting appointments for both hygiene and other dental procedures\nAssists in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments\nCharts findings, treatment plans, and treatment provided in Dental Record Manager Plus\nAbility to utilize VA computer system to retrieve information pertinent to patient's care on a\ndaily basis. Information Management\nMaintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information. Patient Safety\nModifies care as appropriate for patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position)\nProvides accurate and understandable instructions to patients\nParticipates in patient identification and time out per Joint Commission requirements\nMonitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. Employee/Patient Education\nComplies with Employee Education requirements\nCompletes mandatory annual safety training sessions\nComplete biennial OSHA infection control training and Healthcare Provider CPR\nCompletes required continuing education requirements to maintain dental hygiene license\nSkill in providing individual and group oral health care instructions to patients and other staff\nregarding the practice of effective oral hygiene techniques\nSkill in presenting oral hygiene lectures and demonstrations, and developing training materials. Serves as a member of various local and/or national committees focusing on patient education.\nEg, the facility Patient Health Education Committee and/or the National Dental Allied Health\nEducation Subcommittee, performing monthly chart reviews, preparing educational materials\nincluding dental hygiene month, annual VA Health Fair and in-service training. Work Schedule: Fulltime\nTelework: No\nFunctional Statement # FS54404-A, FS54405-A, FS54406-A, FS54407-A Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]