The Preventive and Periodontics section of the Dental Service within the VA Cheyenne Health Care System is currently recruiting for one (1) Dental Hygienist to join their team to work at the Northern Colorado VA Outpatient Clinic in Loveland, CO. The purpose of this position is to serve as a Dental Hygienist and provide direct patient care under the general supervision of a Dentist assigned to the Dental Service and performs other clinical functions independently of direct supervision.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to: The Dental Hygienist sets up operatory for planned dental procedure by cleaning dental unit for timely turnover and handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Incumbent provides routine oral prophylactic care to include application of fluoride solutions, gross debridement, deep scaling, and curettage and root planning procedures. Cleans dental prostheses, fixed and removable, manages dental recall system, referring patients to the Dentist for additional care when needed. Applies desensitizing and sealant materials, makes impressions for fluoride carrier trays, administers topical and local anesthetic agents, and provides patient education appropriate to the veteran's needs and oral condition. Performs dental imaging which consists of taking digital and/or conventional radiographs of in-patients and outpatients according to prescription, including periapical, bitewing, occlusal, panoramic, cephalometric, and 3D imaging. Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed. Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized, therefore, imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame. Responsible for Infection Control by demonstrating proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory as well as safety procedures in exposing images. Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards and in a manner that does not delay clinical care. Enters ADT orders into CPRS with information about future appointments and assists in filling gaps in the schedule to minimize missed opportunities. Annotates chart findings, treatments plans, and treatment provided in Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). Maintains patient confidentiality per Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) with written and verbal information and follows computer security regulations. Incumbent observes and complies with all established safety practices. Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities and provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients. Participates in patient identification and time out per The Joint Commission (TJC) requirements, assures Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are updated and monitors patient condition during treatment being alert for signs of physical distress. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework: Authorized at Supervisors discretion. Not a regular telework position Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 52781-A, 52782-A, 52783-A, 52784-A, 52785-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

**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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. Dental hygienist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Education. Applicants must possess an Associate degree or higher from an accredited dental hygiene program OR are on track to complete an advanced degree from an accredited dental hygiene program by the time of hire/appointment .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:(1) Dental hygiene programs accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).(2) 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: 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. Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure, may be given a temporary appointment at the entry level GS-5 not to exceed two years as a graduate dental hygienist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B) and not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained. Failure to Obtain Certification may result in termination of employment. Grandfathering Provision: All individuals employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/trademark/registration/certification. Current VA Dental Hygienists may qualify up to the full performance level based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in VA Handbook 5005/146 Part II Appendix G37. Grade Determinations: Dental Hygienist, GS-05 (entry level) Experience. None, beyond the basic requirements. Dental Hygienist, GS-06: Experience. At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level. And Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following: 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. And Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following: 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. And Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following: 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. And Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following: 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/146 Part II Appendix G37The full performance level of this vacancy is 9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 5 to 9. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds. Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds. Reaching above shoulders. Use of fingers; use of both hands. Walking 4 hours; standing 4 hours; sitting 4 hours; repeated bending 4 hours, body in awkward positions while performing dental work. Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Cheyenne VA Medical Center 2360 East Pershing Boulevard Cheyenne, WY 82001 US
• Name: Amanda Strickland
• Email: [email protected]