Summary If you are not a current, permanent VA employee or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply under CBST-12328814-24-LDD. The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Dental Service, is seeking a full-time Dental Hygienist to serve our Veterans in the Houston VA. Dental Hygienists perform a wide variety of interventions which contribute to the overall oral health of Veterans. This position is located in Houston, TX. Responsibilities The duties of a Dental Hygienist in the Dental Service include, but are not limited to: Patient Care Provides direct patient care and receives guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients and requires only general supervision from a Dentist. Performs patient medical assessment (e.g., medical/dental history, social history, vital signs, full periodontal assessment and charting). 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 and making impressions for fluoride carrier trays. Provides gross debridement, deep scaling, curettage, and root planing 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. Administers topical anesthetic agents, local anesthetic (per State license), and local anti-infective agents as directed by the Dentist. Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols. Customer Service Routinely interacts in a professional and courteous manner with managers, co-workers and other employees to accomplish the work of the organization. Works with the Lead Dental Assistant and/or Supervisory Dental Assistant to provide input on general chairside assisting, works as a team player, and maintains efficient flow of patient care. Facilitates team or unit processes by working collaboratively with team members or employees to ensure that tasks are completed. Possess knowledge of clinic processes and services to function in and interact with various clinics throughout the hospital. Patient Education Responsible for providing patient education appropriate to the Veteran's needs and oral condition (e.g., post-procedure, tobacco cessation, caries and perio-disease prevention). Prepares and provides individual and group oral health care instruction to inpatients, outpatients, and caregivers. Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery. Dental Imaging Interprets radiographs and dental images. Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed. Utilizes dental imaging safety techniques, and ensures retakes are minimized. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory. Ensures instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by Sterile Processing Service standards and in a manner that does not delay clinical care. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images. Clerical Functions Assists in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments, charts findings, treatment plans, and treatment provided in patient records. Orients dental staff to basic administrative/clinical policies and procedures dealing with dental care and other administrative topics. Information Management Maintains patient confidentiality per the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) with written and verbal information. Enters, corrects, and retrieves information from automated systems and applications such as Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA), VistA Scheduling Enhancements, Computerized Patient Record System, and Dental Record Management Plus. Utilizes Microsoft Word or comparable word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files; activating printers; inserting and deleting text; formatting letters, reports, and memoranda; and transmitting/receiving e-mail.. Uses Microsoft Excel or other comparable spreadsheet software to develop and change spreadsheets in order to graphically display data. Patient Safety Modifies care as appropriate for patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position). Participates in patient information and time out per Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) requirements. Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs for physical distress. Employee Education Complies with employee education requirements. Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions. Prepares and presents monthly safety training to Dental Service line staff. Work Schedule: Various shifts/hours based on location. Tour of duty will be identified upon call for interview. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 580-00970-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment medical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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. 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. 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/Certification 1) 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. 2) 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. 3) Exceptions for Non-Certified Dental Hygienist (a) 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), Temporary Full-Time Appointments, Part-Time Appointments and Without-Compensation Appointments for a Period Not to Exceed Two Years. (b) Non-certified individuals shall only provide care under the supervision of a certified Dental Hygienist at or above the Full Performance Level. (c) Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained. (d) Temporary appointments of non-certified Dental Hygienists may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. (e) Failure to Obtain Certification. In all cases, Dental Hygienists must actively pursue meeting requirements for certification starting from the date of their appointment. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-05 Experience. None, beyond the basic requirements. GS-06 Experience. At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-05). Resume must include average hours worked per week for work experience credit. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. Knowledge of dental methods and techniques used in performing intra and extra oral procedures. 3. Ability to use communication techniques to encourage and inform individuals and groups. GS-07 Experience. At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-06) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Resume must include average hours worked per week for work experience credit. Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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, conditions, and chronic degenerative diseases as they relate to dental health and treatment. 3. Knowledge of radiographic exposure techniques to produce radiographs of high diagnostic quality. GS-08 Experience. At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-07) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Resume must include average hours worked per week for work experience credit. Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-07 level, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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 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. 3. Knowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and related regulations and guidelines pertaining to dental matters. 4. Skill in providing individual and group oral health care instructions to inpatients, outpatients, Nursing Home Care Unit patients, etc. GS-09 Experience. At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-08) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Resume must include average hours worked per week for work experience credit. Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-08 level, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of hygiene procedures to explain the process and indication, complications and expected treatment outcomes for each. 2. Knowledge of proper usage of dental radiography equipment, radiation safety, assessment of proper image capture and interpretation of films. 3. Knowledge to select appropriate available fluoride products and indications/limitations for safe and proper application. 4. Skill in detecting plaque and calculus, dental abnormalities/pathologies, assessing inflammation and providing safe instrumentation for each procedure. 5. 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. 6. Ability to assess the patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications and comorbidities to administer safe patient care. 7. 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. SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR CONTINUED REQUIREMENTS 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Preferred Experience: Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH). Knowledge of hygiene procedures to explain the process and indication complication and expected treatment outcomes for each. Utilizes dental imaging safety techniques and retakes are minimized. Provides direct patient care and receives guidance from higher level or supervisory staff member for only the most complex patients and requires only general supervision from a Dentist. Provides medical assessment, vital signs, full periodontal assessment and charting, and radiographs/image interpretations. References: VA Handbook 5005/146, Part II, Appendix G37, Dental Hygienist Qualification Standard, dated July 23, 2021. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. 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: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.