Dental Hygienist

Summary

The Primary Purpose of the Position is: the Purpose of the position is to serve as a Dental Hygienist and provide direct patient care under the general supervision of a Dentist assigned the Dental Service and performs other clinical functions independently of direct supervision. This position is located in Garland - TX.

• United States Citizenship
• Be a Citizen of the United States
• Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C § 7407(a) - Administrative Provisions for Section 7405 and 7406 Appointments
• 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
• 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
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation
• More information: VA Handbook/Directive 5005 Grade Determinations:
  Dental Hygienist - GS-05 Experience
• None - beyond the basic requirements
• Assignment
• Employees at this level serve in entry level dental hygienist positions
• They receive guidance from more experienced staff members for patient issues and require daily supervision at the site of work
• Dental Hygienist - GS-06 Experience
• At least one 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge
  - Skills and Abilities
  
  (KSAs)
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  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
• Assignment
• Employees at this level serve as…