Job Title
Staff Dental Hygienist
Duties
An Incumbent at this grade level serves as a Staff Dental Hygienist performing advanced clinical techniques or serves as an instructor for a dental hygiene program. An 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.
Customer Service:
- 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
Patient Care:
- 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 curettage and root planning 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
Patient Education:
- 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
Dental Imaging:
- Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed
- Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized
Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization:
- 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
Clerical Functions:
- 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
Information Management:
- Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information
- Follows computer security regulations
Patient Safety:
- 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
