Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Complies with patient identification, time-out and reusable medical equipment processes. Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Takes and records vital signs, reviews medical history. Charts oral conditions. Assesses patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications and comorbidities. Assesses the impact of patient's medical and dental condition on maintaining oral health. Recognizes age-related changes in individual patients, adapts patient environment, and maximizes patient's physical comfort. Provides routine oral prophylactic care. Provides gross debridement, scaling and root planing procedures. Provides subgingival curettage. Cleans dental prostheses, fixed and removable. Applies appropriate topical fluoride solutions or varnishes. Manages dental recall system, referring patients to the doctor for additional care when needed. Administers topical anesthetic agents. Administers local anesthesia (check to ensure hygienist's state license allows and certification is current). Applies desensitizing agents. Performs routine maintenance of equipment components such as suction traps, water lines, etc. Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection-control protocols. Patient Education Provides patient education appropriate to the Veteran's needs and oral condition. Explains hygiene procedures, indications, complications and expected outcomes to individual patient and caregiver. 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 Takes diagnostic quality images that are accurately oriented and exposed. Utilizes dental-imaging safety techniques with minimal retakes. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Demonstrates proper infection-control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory and in exposing images. Properly prepares instruments for sterilization by SPS standards. Prepares instruments in a manner that does not delay clinical care. Clerical Functions Assists patients in scheduling appointments. Assists in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments. 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). Modifies care based on patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications and comorbidities. Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients. Participates in patient identification and time out per TJC requirements. Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. Employee Education Complies with Employee Education requirements. Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions. Maintains all continuing education requirements for professional licensure, certifications, etc. Work Schedule: Intermittent Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: GS-9 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required