Dental Hygienist

This position is in the Atlanta VA Health Care System. The incumbent will function as a Staff Dental Hygienist performing both routine and advanced clinical periodontal procedures and techniques at the Dental Clinic. The hygienist works under the general supervision of a Staff Dentist for all functional duties.

• An Incumbent at this grade level serves as (1) Staff Dental Hygienist performing advanced clinical techniques or serves as an instructor for a dental hygiene program. The incumbent must be able to plan, coordinate, and conduct preventive oral health programs for various patient groups; develop and modify instructional methods; and develop methods for evaluating the effectiveness of the preventive dentistry program.
  
  The incumbent works closely with, and under the general direction of, a Dentist or Periodontist. The incumbent performs these advanced techniques, or these responsibilities as listed at least 25% of the time. 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.

• Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public
• Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery

• 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
• Provides gross debridement, deep scaling, 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
• Makes impressions for fluoride carrier trays
• Administers topical anesthetic agents
• Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols

• 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

• 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
• Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care
• Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images

• Assists patients in scheduling appointments
• Assists in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments
• Charts findings, treatment plans, and treatment provided in patient records

• Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information
• Follows computer security regulations

• Modifies care as appropriate for patient s age and abilities (patient transfer and position)
• Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients
• Participates in patient identification and time out per JCAHO requirements
• Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress

• Work Schedule:
  
  Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Compressed/Flexible:
  No
• Telework:
  No
• Virtual:
  This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 51881A
• Relocation/Recruitment
  
  Incentives:
  
  Not Authorized
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS):
  Not authorized