Job Description
Summary The Dental Hygienist at the Wilmington VA Clinic provides direct patient care and receive guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients and require only general supervision from a dentist. Learn more about this agency This job is open to The public U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. Clarification from the agency NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. Duties The Dental Hygienist sets up operatory for planned dental procedure by cleaning dental unit for timely turnover and handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Duties include but are not limited to: Takes and records vital signs, reviews medical history. Charts oral condition and assesses patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications, and comorbidities. Assesses the impact of patient's medical and dental condition on maintaining oral health. Perform dental prophylaxis and periodontal maintenance procedures using hand and ultrasonic instruments, to include gross debridement, curettage and scaling & root planning, tooth polishing & application of topical fluoride solutions. Applies appropriate topical fluoride solutions or varnishes. Cleans dental prostheses, fixed and removable. Administers topical anesthetic agents. Applies desensitizing agents. Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols.. Explains hygiene procedures, indications, complications and expected outcomes to individual patients and caregivers. Prepares and provides education on periodontal disease, wellness, health maintenance, oral hygiene practices, parafunctional habits, and effect of illness, addictions, medications, and tobacco on the oral cavity. Dental Imaging-Proper usage of dental radiography equipment, radiation safety, assessment of proper image capture and interpretation of films. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory. Assists patients in scheduling appointments via VA scheduling software Manages dental recall system, referring patients to the doctor for additional care when needed.. Performs other required duties as assigned. Work Schedule : Monday-Friday 7:30AM to 4:00PM Telework : Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives : Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents ). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless