The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System seeks a Dental Hygienist to provide direct patient care, perform clinical and clerical tasks, and plan preventive oral health programs. The role includes developing instructional methods and evaluating preventive dentistry program effectiveness under a dentist's general direction. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2026 or until all positions are filled.
Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. Customer Service: Demonstrate courtesy, respect, and maintain a positive attitude towards patients, co-workers, management, and the public. Assist customers with their questions or concerns and provide service recovery as needed. Patient Care: Prepare the operatory for planned dental procedures and ensure timely turnover of the dental unit. Handle dental instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Provide routine oral care, including fluoride treatment and gross debridement, scaling, and root planning. Clean dental prostheses (both fixed and removable) and manage the dental recall system in consultation with the doctor for additional care. Administer topical anesthetic agents and perform all procedures in accordance with standard infection-control protocols. Patient Education: Offer patient education tailored to the Veteran's needs and oral condition. Conduct individual and group oral health care instruction sessions for patients and caregivers. Dental Imaging: Take high-quality radiographic images with accurate orientation and proper exposure, with minimal need for retakes as directed by the dentist. Follow dental-imaging safety protocols. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization: Demonstrate proper infection-control procedures when setting up and cleaning the operatory. Prepare instruments for sterilization following SPS standards, ensuring no delays in clinical care. Follow proper infection-control procedures during image exposure. Clerical Functions: Assist patients in scheduling their appointments and fill gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations or failed appointments. Chart findings and treatment provided in patient records. Information Management: Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA guidelines. Follow computer security regulations. Patient Safety: Adjust care appropriately based on patient's age and abilities, including patient transfer and positioning. Provide clear and accurate instructions to patients. Participate in patient identification and time-out procedures per TJC requirements. Monitor patient condition during treatment and be alert for signs of physical distress. Employee Education: Comply with Employee Education requirements and complete mandatory annual training sessions. Meet all CE requirements for licensing. Additional Responsibilities: Perform other duties as assigned, depending on the grade level selected for. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 635-54404A, 635-54405A, 635-54406A, 635-54407A, 635-54408A
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
V19USAJOBS@VA.GOV 719-227-4600
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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