U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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. They are expected to provide direct patient care and receive guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members only for the most complex patients.
Duties
Patient medical assessment (medical/dental history, social history, vital signs, full periodontal assessment and charting)
Disease and treatment management recommendations
Denture care
Scaling and root planning
Radiographs/image interpretation
Patient education (post-procedure, tobacco cessation, caries and periodontal disease prevention)
Behavior management
Management of stable medically compromised patients (including risk factors)
Instrument sharpening
Inter-service communication
Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties
Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover
Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently
Perform dental prophylaxis and periodontal maintenance procedures using hand and ultrasonic instruments, including gross debridement, curettage and scaling & root planning, tooth polishing & application of topical fluoride solutions
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 localized antimicrobial agents in periodontal pockets when indicated
Makes impressions for fluoride carrier trays
Administers topical and/or local anesthetic agents (per state license)
Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols
Conducts head and neck examinations and complete intraoral inspection of the hard and soft tissue and seeks consultation with dentist to assess abnormal findings
Keeps operatory supplied with all necessary equipment, instruments and disposable supplies needed for the proper treatment of patients
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
Exposes prescribed radiographs
Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed
Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized
Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory
Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards
Maintains integrity of instruments with proper routine sharpening and maintenance per manufacturing instructions
Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care
Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images
Wears appropriate protective attire and assures that the patient is provided eye protection during procedures
Assists patients in scheduling appointments via VA scheduling software
Assists in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments
Charts findings, treatment plans, and treatment provided in patient records
Accurately codes for type of treatment administered electronically by way of VA charting system
Work Schedule Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm
Telework Not Available
Virtual This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Not Authorized
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Duties
Patient medical assessment (medical/dental history, social history, vital signs, full periodontal assessment and charting)
Disease and treatment management recommendations
Denture care
Scaling and root planning
Radiographs/image interpretation
Patient education (post-procedure, tobacco cessation, caries and periodontal disease prevention)
Behavior management
Management of stable medically compromised patients (including risk factors)
Instrument sharpening
Inter-service communication
Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties
Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover
Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently
Perform dental prophylaxis and periodontal maintenance procedures using hand and ultrasonic instruments, including gross debridement, curettage and scaling & root planning, tooth polishing & application of topical fluoride solutions
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 localized antimicrobial agents in periodontal pockets when indicated
Makes impressions for fluoride carrier trays
Administers topical and/or local anesthetic agents (per state license)
Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols
Conducts head and neck examinations and complete intraoral inspection of the hard and soft tissue and seeks consultation with dentist to assess abnormal findings
Keeps operatory supplied with all necessary equipment, instruments and disposable supplies needed for the proper treatment of patients
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
Exposes prescribed radiographs
Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed
Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized
Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory
Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards
Maintains integrity of instruments with proper routine sharpening and maintenance per manufacturing instructions
Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care
Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images
Wears appropriate protective attire and assures that the patient is provided eye protection during procedures
Assists patients in scheduling appointments via VA scheduling software
Assists in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments
Charts findings, treatment plans, and treatment provided in patient records
Accurately codes for type of treatment administered electronically by way of VA charting system
Work Schedule Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm
Telework Not Available
Virtual This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Not Authorized
#J-18808-Ljbffr