Dental Hygienist

This position is in the Atlanta VA Health Care System. The incumbent will function as a Staff Dental Hygienist performing both routine and advanced clinical periodontal procedures and techniques at the Dental Clinic. The hygienist works under the general supervision of a Staff Dentist for all functional duties.

An Incumbent at this grade level serve as (1) Staff Dental Hygienists performing advanced clinical techniques or serve as instructors for a dental hygiene program. An Incumbent must be able to 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. The Incumbent works closely with, and under the general direction of, a Dentist or Periodontist.

The Incumbent performs these advanced techniques, or these responsibilities as listed at least 25% of the time. 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.

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.

Patient Care:

* Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently

* Provides routine oral prophylactic care to include application of fluoride solutions Provides gross debridement, deep scaling, and curettage and root planning procedures 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

* Makes impressions for fluoride carrier trays Administers topical anesthetic agents

* Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols.

Patient

Education:

* 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.

Dental Imaging:

* Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized.

Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization:

* Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards - Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images.

Clerical Functions:

* Assists patients in scheduling appointments

* Assists in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments Charts findings, treatment plans, and treatment provided in patient records.

Information Management:
Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information Follows computer security regulations.

Patient Safety:

* Modifies care as appropriate for patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position) Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients

* Participates in patient identification and time out per JCAHO requirements

* Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 4:30 pm

Compressed/Flexible:
No

Telework:
No

Virtual:
This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 51881A

Relocation/Recruitment

Incentives:

Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS):
Not authorized