Dental Hygienist
- Employer
- USAJobs
- Location
- Washington, D.C
- Closing date
- Aug 20, 2019
View more
- Industry
- Government and Public Services, Federal
- Function
- Administrative
- Hours
- Full Time
- Career Level
- Experienced (Non-Manager)
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Duties
Summary
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-09.
Physical Requirements: Long periods of sitting and recurring bending and reaching are required while performing dental hygiene procedures. The hygienist uses a lead shield for protection against radiation and frequently wears face mask, gloves, gowns and goggles during the performance of clinical procedures.
Learn more about this agency
Responsibilities
Major duties and responsibilities includes but are not limited to:
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
References: VA Handbook 5005/15. Part II, Appendix G37, Dental Hygienist Qualifications.
Travel Required
Not required
Supervisory status
No
Promotion Potential
None
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
a. Creditable Experience(1) Knowledge of Current Professional Dental Hygienist Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as "clinical competencies") associated with current professional dental hygiene practice. Evidence of such experience includes experience in private practice, U. S. military services, local/state/federal health care or educational facilities.
(2) Quality of Experience. Experience as a dental hygienist in private practice, U.S. military services, local/state/federal health care or educational facilities must be verified with the practitioner or the supervising officers. Experience satisfying this requirement must be active professional practice which may be paid or non-paid employment as a dental hygienist.
(3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a dental hygienist is credited according to its relationship to full-time work week. For example, a dental hygienist would receive 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work.
b. Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria's must be met when determining the grade of candidates:
GS-5 Entry level
Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
Assignment. Employees at this level serve in an entry level position as dental hygienists. It is expected that they receive guidance from more experienced staff members for patient issues and require daily supervision at the site of work.
GS-6 Developmental Level 1
Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level.
Assignment. Employees at this level serve as developmental level 1 dental hygienists. It is expected that they receive guidance from more experienced staff members for complex patient issues and require daily and direct contact at the site of work from the assigned supervisor.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Knowledge of oral prophylactic, therapeutic, and preventive procedures for periodontal diseases, or inflammation, or on patients with other medical and/or dental problems;
2. Ability to use communication techniques to encourage and inform individuals and groups; and3. Knowledge of dental methods and techniques used in performing intra and extra oral procedures.
GS-7 Developmental Level 2
Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
Assignment. Employees at this level serve as developmental level 2 dental hygienists. It is expected that they perform more complex work while receiving less frequent supervision than at the GS-6 level.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. 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;
2. Practical knowledge of medical diseases and conditions such as cancer, HIV, radiation therapy, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, bulimia, anorexia, pregnancy, and chronic and degenerative diseases as they relate to dental health and treatment; and
3. Knowledge of radiographic exposure techniques in order to produce radiographs of high diagnostic quality with a minimum of retakes.
GS-8 Developmental Level 3
Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
Assignment. Employees at this level serve as developmental level 3 dental hygienists with the ability to perform direct patient care under the general supervision of the dentist. It is expected that they receive guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Knowledge of state of the art preventive dentistry measures for patient instruction and training.
2. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology in order to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various organs appearing on the film and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the radiograph for diagnostic use; and to correctly mount them for viewing.
3. Skill in providing individual and group oral health care instructions to inpatients, outpatients, Nursing Home Care Unit patients, etc.
4. Knowledge of VA, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and related regulations and guidelines pertaining to dental matters.
GS-9 Full Performance Level
Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
Assignment. Employees at this level serve as staff dental hygienists at the full performance level. It is expected that they provide direct patient care and receive guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients and require only general supervision from a dentist.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Ability to assess the patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications and comorbidities for safe patient care;
2. 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;
3. Skill in detecting plaque and calculus, dental abnormalities/pathologies, assessing inflammation and providing safe instrumentation for each procedure;
4. Knowledge to select appropriate available fluoride products and indications/limitations for safe and proper application;
5. Knowledge of hygiene procedures in order to explain the process and indication, complications and expected treatment outcomes for each;
6. Knowledge of proper usage of dental radiography equipment, radiation safety, assessment of proper image capture and interpretation of films; and
7. 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.
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 .
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
NOTE: The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will review the selected candidate's education and experience and recommend the grade and salary at which the candidate will be placed. For internal selectees eligible for promotion, the board will recommend grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Background checks and security clearance
Security clearance
Other
Drug test required
Yes
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search .
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx .
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Summary
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-09.
Physical Requirements: Long periods of sitting and recurring bending and reaching are required while performing dental hygiene procedures. The hygienist uses a lead shield for protection against radiation and frequently wears face mask, gloves, gowns and goggles during the performance of clinical procedures.
Learn more about this agency
Responsibilities
Major duties and responsibilities includes but are not limited to:
- Provides oral prophylaxis, treating abnormal gum conditions, and instructing patients n oral health care;
- Records examination and treatment information in the computerized patient record;
- Assists the patient in preparation of a complete medical history such as patients who require pre-medication or regulations of platelet inhibitors or anticoangulants;
- Responsible for the care and treatment of veterans who participate in the Homeless Veterans Dental Program;
- Maintains supplies and prepares all instruments for patient treatment;
- Provide patient care which is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional , and chronological maturation needs of adults/older adults patients;
- Communicate and treat customers (patients, visitors, volunteers, and all medical center staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
References: VA Handbook 5005/15. Part II, Appendix G37, Dental Hygienist Qualifications.
Travel Required
Not required
Supervisory status
No
Promotion Potential
None
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- You may be required to serve a probationary period
- Subject to a background/security investigation
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
Qualifications
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.
- Education: 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.
- 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. Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, 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 which will meet the requirement for certification as dental radiographers. Exception. 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) for a period not to exceed 2 years. Failure to obtain certification during this time period may result in termination of employment.
- English Language Proficiency. Dental hygienists must be proficient in spoken and written English.
a. Creditable Experience(1) Knowledge of Current Professional Dental Hygienist Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as "clinical competencies") associated with current professional dental hygiene practice. Evidence of such experience includes experience in private practice, U. S. military services, local/state/federal health care or educational facilities.
(2) Quality of Experience. Experience as a dental hygienist in private practice, U.S. military services, local/state/federal health care or educational facilities must be verified with the practitioner or the supervising officers. Experience satisfying this requirement must be active professional practice which may be paid or non-paid employment as a dental hygienist.
(3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a dental hygienist is credited according to its relationship to full-time work week. For example, a dental hygienist would receive 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work.
b. Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria's must be met when determining the grade of candidates:
GS-5 Entry level
Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
Assignment. Employees at this level serve in an entry level position as dental hygienists. It is expected that they receive guidance from more experienced staff members for patient issues and require daily supervision at the site of work.
GS-6 Developmental Level 1
Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level.
Assignment. Employees at this level serve as developmental level 1 dental hygienists. It is expected that they receive guidance from more experienced staff members for complex patient issues and require daily and direct contact at the site of work from the assigned supervisor.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Knowledge of oral prophylactic, therapeutic, and preventive procedures for periodontal diseases, or inflammation, or on patients with other medical and/or dental problems;
2. Ability to use communication techniques to encourage and inform individuals and groups; and3. Knowledge of dental methods and techniques used in performing intra and extra oral procedures.
GS-7 Developmental Level 2
Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
Assignment. Employees at this level serve as developmental level 2 dental hygienists. It is expected that they perform more complex work while receiving less frequent supervision than at the GS-6 level.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. 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;
2. Practical knowledge of medical diseases and conditions such as cancer, HIV, radiation therapy, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, bulimia, anorexia, pregnancy, and chronic and degenerative diseases as they relate to dental health and treatment; and
3. Knowledge of radiographic exposure techniques in order to produce radiographs of high diagnostic quality with a minimum of retakes.
GS-8 Developmental Level 3
Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
Assignment. Employees at this level serve as developmental level 3 dental hygienists with the ability to perform direct patient care under the general supervision of the dentist. It is expected that they receive guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Knowledge of state of the art preventive dentistry measures for patient instruction and training.
2. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology in order to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various organs appearing on the film and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the radiograph for diagnostic use; and to correctly mount them for viewing.
3. Skill in providing individual and group oral health care instructions to inpatients, outpatients, Nursing Home Care Unit patients, etc.
4. Knowledge of VA, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and related regulations and guidelines pertaining to dental matters.
GS-9 Full Performance Level
Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
Assignment. Employees at this level serve as staff dental hygienists at the full performance level. It is expected that they provide direct patient care and receive guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients and require only general supervision from a dentist.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Ability to assess the patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications and comorbidities for safe patient care;
2. 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;
3. Skill in detecting plaque and calculus, dental abnormalities/pathologies, assessing inflammation and providing safe instrumentation for each procedure;
4. Knowledge to select appropriate available fluoride products and indications/limitations for safe and proper application;
5. Knowledge of hygiene procedures in order to explain the process and indication, complications and expected treatment outcomes for each;
6. Knowledge of proper usage of dental radiography equipment, radiation safety, assessment of proper image capture and interpretation of films; and
7. 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.
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 .
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
NOTE: The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will review the selected candidate's education and experience and recommend the grade and salary at which the candidate will be placed. For internal selectees eligible for promotion, the board will recommend grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Background checks and security clearance
Security clearance
Other
Drug test required
Yes
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume
- Transcript
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search .
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- OF-306
- VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx .
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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