Dental Hygienist Job in Wichita, KS

Summary

This job is open to

• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

Robert J Dole VA Medical Center committed to Diversity and Inclusion. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working and learning environment that promotes professional growth and teamwork. We offer an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment where we celebrate our individual differences and unite as a team toward a common goal of providing outstanding service to our Nation's Veterans.

The duties include but are not limited to:

Patient Care

1. Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover.
2. Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently.
3. Provides routine oral prophylactic care to include application of fluoride solutions.
4. Provides gross debridement, scaling and root planning procedures under the guidance of a more experienced hygienist.
5. Cleans dental prostheses, fixed and removable.
6. Is familiar with the dental recare system, consulting with the doctor for additional care.
7. Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection-control protocols.
8. Performs annual suicide screening as needed.
9. Recommends and explains oral hygiene devices to assist veterans at home.
10. Performs oral cancer screenings under supervision of the dentist or a more experienced hygienist.
11. Chart periodontal pockets annually.
12. Enter PSR readings at every preventative visit.
13. Perform oral health assessment under the supervision of a dentist or more experienced hygienist.
14. Review medical history in conjunction with supervising dentist or hygienist to check for contraindications or treatment alterations.

1. Provides patient education appropriate to the Veteran's needs and oral condition.
2. Discuss smoking cessation with supervision from senior hygienists or dentist.
3. Screen patients for signs of bruxism and discuss with treating dentist.

1. Enter dental imaging order into CPRS at the direction of the treating dentist.
2. Takes radiographic images characterized by diagnostic quality, accurate orientation, and proper exposure.
3. Retakes are minimal and at the direction of the dentist.
4. Utilizes dental-imaging safety techniques.

1. Demonstrates proper infection-control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory.
2. Properly prepares instruments for sterilization by SPS standards.
3. Prepares instruments efficiently in a manner that does not delay clinical care.
4. Demonstrates proper infection-control procedures in exposing images.
5. Utilizes Universal Precautions with all patients.
6. Wears proper PPE and completes annual respirator training.

1. Assists patients in scheduling appointments with dental MSA and enters RTC orders at the dentist's request.
2. Assists in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments.
3. Charts findings and treatment provided in patient records.

1. Modifies care as appropriate for patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position).
2. Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients.
3. Participates in patient identification and time out per TJC requirements.
4. Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress.
5. Utilizes patient lift with buddy system.

Requirements

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.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 01/03/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12654056.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.