The Muskogee, OK VA Medical Center, Dental Service is currently recruiting for one Full Time, Dental Hygienist for the Muskogee VA Dental Clinic. 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: Citizenship. Be a Citizen of the United States 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 Full-Time 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. English Language Proficiency. Dental hygienist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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. The full performance level of this announcement is a GS-09, we will be considering applicants at the GS-5-9 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. ["Major Duties and Responsibilities: Employees at this level serve as staff dental hygienists at the full performance level, receiving little to no guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patient issues. Employees plan, coordinate, and conduct preventive oral health programs for various patient groups; develop and modify instructional methods; and develop methods for evaluating the effectiveness of the preventive dentistry program. Employees work closely with, and under the general direction of a dentist or dental specialist. 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. Functions: Customer Service Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery. Ability to answer patient and family questions about dental eligibility Patient Care Reviews medical/dental history and consults medical/dental providers as necessary Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover and always adheres to universal precautions. Provides routine oral prophylactic care to include application of fluoride solutions and resins Provides gross debridement, scaling and root planning procedures, mechanical and laser curettage procedures as indicated and with equipment availability. Cleans dental prostheses; fixed and removable Manages dental recall system as directed by management Applies desensitizing and sealant materials, and sulcular antibiotics and antimicrobials per direction of dentist Makes impressions for fluoride carrier trays, study models and night guards Administers topical and local anesthetic agents Monitors dental assistant polishing Accomplishes periodontal probing Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols Provides local anesthesia as necessary Administer local anesthesia with appropriate training and licensure. Patient Education Provides patient education appropriate to the Veteran's needs and oral conditions Prepares and provides individual and group oral health care instruction to inpatients, outpatients, and caregivers. Dental Imaging mages are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed using digital intra-oral radiography, panoramic image, and working knowledge of the digital systems Planmeca, Midmark, and MIPACS Software. Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up/cleaning the operatory and delivery of care Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care Demonstrates proper infection control procedures Follows clinic SOP for cleaning and disinfecting reusable medical equipment Clerical Functions Assists patients in selecting appointments for both hygiene and other dental procedures Assists in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments Charts findings, treatment plans, and treatment provided in Dental Record Manager Plus Utilize VA computer system to retrieve information pertinent to patient's care on a daily Information Management Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information Patient Safety Modifies patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position)Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients Participates in patient identification and time out per Joint Commission requirements Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress Employee/Patient Education Complies with Employee Education requirements Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions Complete biennial OSHA infection control training and Healthcare Provider CPR Completes required continuing education requirements to maintain dental hygiene license Skill in providing individual and group oral health care instructions to patients and other staff regarding the practice of effective oral hygiene techniques Skill in presenting oral hygiene lectures and demonstrations, and developing training materials Work Schedule: FT, Monday Thru Friday 7:00 am to 5:30 pm (4 Days) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 53655-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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