Dental Hygienist

Summary

The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa is currently recruiting for one full-time Dental Hygienist. This position is located within the Surgical Care department at the Lincoln VA Clinic in Lincoln - Nebraska. 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.
Recruitment/Relocation incentive may be authorized for highly qualified candidates

• United States Citizenship:
  Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education:
  
  Applicants must possess an Associate degree or higher from an accredited dental hygiene program, with accreditation in place at the time of completion. The program must be accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Education completed outside the United States must be deemed at least equivalent to a CODA‑accredited U.S. program.
• Licensure and Certification:
  Applicants must hold a full, current and unrestricted dental hygienist license in a State, Territory, Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia. They must meet radiologic credentialing standards, including completion of an accredited program and certification as a radiographer.
• English Language Proficiency:
  Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• Experience and KSAs:
  • GS‑5:
    Basic qualifications only (no experience required).
  • GS‑6:
    One year at GS‑5 level plus knowledge of oral prophylactic, therapeutic and preventive procedures, dental methods, and communication techniques.
  • GS‑7:
    One year at GS‑6 level plus knowledge of oral pathology, medical diseases, radiographic techniques, and patient instruction.
  • GS‑8:
    One year at GS‑7 level plus advanced preventive dentistry, anatomy and physiology interpretation, safety regulations, and group instruction.
  • GS‑9:
    One year at GS‑8 level plus comprehensive knowledge of hygiene procedures, radiology, fluoride applications, plaque detection, patient education, and safety protocols.
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS‑5 to GS‑9.
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/.

• Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover.
• Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently.
• Performs dental prophylaxis and periodontal maintenance procedures using hand and ultrasonic instruments, including gross debridement, curettage, scaling & root planning, tooth polishing, and application of topical fluoride solutions.
• Cleans dental prostheses — fixed and removable.
• Manages dental recall system, referring patients to the doctor for additional care when needed.
• Applies desensitizing and sealant materials.
• Administers localized antimicrobial agents in periodontal pockets when indicated.
• Makes impressions for fluoride carrier trays.
• Administers topical and/or local anesthetic agents (per state license).
• Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols.
• Conducts head and neck examinations and completes intra‑oral inspection of the hard and soft tissue and seeks consultation with dentist to assess abnormal findings.
• Keeps operatory supplied with all necessary equipment, instruments and disposable supplies needed for the proper treatment of patients.
• Provides patient education appropriate to the veteran’s needs and oral condition.
• Prepares and provides individual and group oral health care instruction to inpatients, outpatients and caregivers.
• Exposes prescribed radiographs, ensuring diagnostic quality and appropriate safety techniques.
• Uses personal protective attire and ensures patient eye protection during procedures.
• Assists patients in scheduling appointments via VA scheduling software and fills gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments.
• Charts findings, treatment plans and treatment provided in patient records.
• Accurately codes for type of treatment administered electronically through the VA charting system.
• Work Schedule:
  
  Monday‑Friday 7:30 am‑4:00 pm;
  Telework Not Available;
  Virtual:
  This is not a virtual position.
• Relocation/Recruitment
  
  Incentives:
  
  May be authorized for highly qualified applicants.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Not Authorized.