Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. This job is open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies, and all US Citizens.

Major Duties:
Customer Service - Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, coworkers, and the public. Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provide service recovery.
Patient Care - Sets up operatory for planned dental procedures and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Assists with initial or recall exams by taking radiographs and performing full mouth probing. Provides gross debridement and scaling/root planning/curettage procedures. Cleans dental prosthesis's - fixed and removable. Manages the dental recall system - refers patients to the
doctor/dentist for additional care when needed. Applies desensitizing and sealant materials. Makes impressions for fluoride carrier trays. Administers topical anesthetic agents and accomplishes all procedures within the standards of infection control protocols. Seven (7) clinical visits in an eight (8) hour day.
Patient Education - Provides patient education appropriate to the veteran's needs and oral condition and documents this in CPRS. Prepares and provides individual and group health care instruction to inpatients, outpatients, and caregivers.
Dental Imaging - Images that are taken (as ordered by a Dentist) are characterized by diagnostic quality and accurately oriented. Dental imaging safety techniques will be applied and retakes minimized. HIPAA protocols will be maintained during the imaging process at all times.
Infection Control & Equipment Sterilization - Demonstrate proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up the operatory. Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards. Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care. Demonstrate proper infection control. Demonstrate proper infection control protocols in exposing images. Meets all RME mandates. Follows COVID protocols
for all AGP's.
Clerical Functions - Assist patients in scheduling appointments. Assist in filling in gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments. Accurately chart findings, treatment plans, and the treatment provided in patient records. Assist in answering patient concerns and complaints. Enter dental notes for treatment provided no later than 72 hours.
Information Management - Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA protocols with written and verbal information. Follows computer security regulations throughout the clinic and work areas.
Patient Safety - Modifies care as appropriate for patients' age and abilities (patient transfer and position). Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients and caregivers. Participates in patient identification and time outs per Joint Commission
requirements. Monitors patient's condition during treatment - being alert for signs of physical, mental, and medical distress, complete CPRS suicide screening alerts.
Employee Education - Complies with employee education requirements for licensure and network access. Maintains responsibility for turning in updated licensures and certifications. Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions.
Specialty Functions - Administrates Anesthesia and/or Nitrous Oxide if licensed in the state the Hygienist received licensure. Accomplishes all procedures within the standards of infection control protocols. Monitors patient's condition during treatment for any signs of
medical emergency or distress.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 0800-1630 with occasional voluntary Saturday Clinic hours of 8:00AM-4:30PM
Telework: Not Available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 54714-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

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.
• 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. 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.
• English Language Proficiency. Dental hygienist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

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, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

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.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Hybrid Resume
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Next steps