Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.)
Education. Associate Degree or higher in an accredited dental hygiene program. This program must be accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
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. Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, 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 which will meet the requirement for certification as dental radiographers.
English Language Proficiency. Dental hygienists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations:
GS-5 Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
GS-6 Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-5).
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;
- Ability to use communication techniques to encourage and inform individuals and groups; and
- Knowledge of dental methods and techniques used in performing intra and extra oral procedures.
GS-7 Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-6) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
- Knowledge of oral pathology to include disease of the hard and soft tissues, disorders of tooth structure, developmental and congenital anomalies, salivary gland disorders, symptoms of infectious disorders, and appropriate protocols;
- Practical knowledge of medical diseases, conditions, and chronic degenerative diseases as they relate to dental health and treatment; and
- Knowledge of radiographic exposure techniques in order to produce radiographs of high diagnostic quality.
GS-8 Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-7) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-7 level, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
- Knowledge of state of the art preventive dentistry measures for patient instruction and training;
- Knowledge of anatomy and physiology in order to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various anatomical structures appearing on the radiographic image and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the radiograph for diagnostic use; and to present for viewing;
- Skill in providing individual and group oral health care instructions to inpatients, outpatients, Nursing Home Care Unit patients, etc.; and
- Knowledge of VA, The Joint Commission (TJC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and related regulations and guidelines pertaining to dental matters.
GS-09 Experience: At least 1 year of experience as a Dental Hygienist equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-08).
In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSA's:
- Knowledge of hygiene procedures to explain the process and indication, complications and expected treatment outcomes for each.
- Knowledge of proper usage of dental radiography equipment, radiation safety, assessment of proper image capture and interpretation of films.
- Knowledge to select appropriate available fluoride products and indications/limitations for safe and proper application.
- Skill in detecting plaque and calculus, dental abnormalities/pathologies, assessing inflammation and providing safe instrumentation for each procedure.
- Skill in educating patients and caregivers on periodontal disease, wellness, health maintenance, oral hygiene practices, parafunctional habits, and effects of illness, addictions, medications and tobacco on the oral cavity.
- Ability to assess the patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications and comorbidities to administer safe patient care.
- Ability to assess the impact of patient's medical and dental condition on maintaining oral health, recognize age-related changes in individual patients, adapt patient environment, and maximize patient's physical comfort.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-09.
Physical Requirements: Long periods of standing, walking, sitting, and bending are required. Pushing dental equipment and carts are necessary to deliver items to the operatory or procedure site. It is necessary to climb onto lifts to retrieve or store supplies, or to help the dentist carry out a surgical or dental procedure. Lifting of patients from gurneys or wheelchairs into the dental chair is required to position them for radiographs or dental examination and treatment.