Dental Hygienist

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval determines award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the application.

Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship:
  Citizen of the United States.
• Education:
  
  Associate Degree or higher in an accredited dental hygiene program. Must be accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Programs completed outside the United States must be at least equivalent to CODA-accredited U.S. programs and enable the candidate to sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.
• Licensure:
  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:
  Radiologic procedure credentials per 42 CFR Part 75. Must be certified as a dental radiographer by a recognized organization. Non‑certified applicants who otherwise meet eligibility may receive a temporary appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B) for up to 2 years. Failure to obtain certification within that period may result in termination.
• English Language Proficiency:
  Proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).
• Grade Requirements:
  In addition to basic requirements, the following criteria apply when determining the grade of candidates:
  • GS‑5:
    None beyond basic requirements.
  • GS‑6:
    At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level plus demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs):
    1) Knowledge of oral prophylactic, therapeutic, and preventive procedures for periodontal disease or other medical/dental problems;
    2) Ability to use communication techniques to encourage and inform individuals and groups;
    3) Knowledge of dental methods and techniques for intra‑ and extra‑oral procedures.
  • GS‑7: At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level plus KSAs:
    1) Knowledge of oral pathology;
    2) Practical knowledge of medical diseases and chronic conditions related to dental health;
    3) Knowledge of radiographic exposure techniques.
  • GS‑8: At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level plus KSAs:
    1) Knowledge of preventive dentistry;
    2) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology for interpreting examination requests;
    3) Skill in providing oral health instructions;
    4) Knowledge of VA, TJC, OSHA regulations.
  • GS‑9: At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level plus KSAs:
    1) Knowledge of hygiene procedures;
    2) Knowledge of radiography equipment and safety;
    3) Knowledge of fluoride products;
    4) Skill detecting plaque and calculus;
    5) Skill educating patients;
    6) Ability to assess patient medical/dental anxiety and comorbidities;
    7) Ability to adapt patient environment.
• Preferred Experience:
  
  Certified in local anesthesia; experience working with medically compromised patients.
• References:
  For more information on this qualification standard, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Light lifting (under 15 pounds), use of fingers both hands, repeated bending for up to 1 hour, mental & emotional stability.
• Environmental Factors:
  Outdoor & indoor constant noise and close collaboration with others.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected is in the range of GS‑5 to GS‑9.

• This is an open continuous announcement and will remain open until filled or September 30 2026.
• All eligible applicants will be reviewed and referred to the hiring manager at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur.
• Sets up operatory for planned dental procedures, cleans dental unit for timely turnover, handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently.
• Provides routine oral prophylactic care…