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The Dental Hygienist provides direct patient care under the general supervision of the dentist and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. It is expected that they provide direct patient care and receive guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients.
11/13/2024 to 11/27/2024
$54,882 - $94,758 per year
The salary listed is for full-time employment; part-time salary is pro-rated based on number of hours worked.
GS 5 - 9
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
No
Not required
No
Permanent
Part-time - 16 Hours
Excepted
9
No
Yes
No
CBSY-12607609-25-GPA
818790400
a. Customer Service
Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers, and the public
Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery
b. Patient Care
Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover
Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently
Performs dental prophylaxis and periodontal maintenance procedures using hand and ultrasonic instruments to include gross debridement, curettage, scaling & root planning, tooth polishing & application of topical fluoride solutions.
Cleans dental prostheses, fixed and removable
Manages dental recall system, referring patients to the doctor for additional care when needed
Applies desensitizing and sealant materials
Administers localized antimicrobial agents in periodontal pockets when indicated.
Makes impressions for fluoride carrier trays
Administers topical and/or local anesthetic agents (per state license)Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols
Conducts head and neck examinations and complete intraoral inspection of the hard and soft tissue and seeks consultation with dentist to assess abnormal findings.
Keeps operatory supplied with all necessary equipment, instruments and disposable supplies needed for the proper treatment of patients.
c. Patient Education
Provides patient education appropriate to the veteran's needs and oral condition
Prepares and provides individual and group oral health care instruction to inpatients, outpatients, and caregivers
d. Dental Imaging
Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed
Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized
e. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization
Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory
Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards
Maintains integrity of instruments with proper routine sharpening and maintenance per manufacture instructions.
Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care
Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images
Wear appropriate protective attire and assure that the patient is provided eye protection during procedures.
f. Clerical Functions
Assists patients in scheduling appointments via VA scheduling software.
Assists in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments
Charts findings, treatment plans, and treatment provided in patient records
Accurately codes for type of treatment administered, electronically, by way of VA charting system
g. Information Management
Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information
Follows computer security regulations
h. Patient Safety
Modifies care as appropriate for patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position)Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients
Participates in patient identification and time out per JCAHO requirements
Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress
Performs procedures, such as medical and dental history review to search for evidence of past and present conditions which may complicate or alter dental hygiene treatment.
i. Employee Education
Complies with Employee Education requirements
Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions
Prepares and presents monthly Safety Training to Dental Service Staff
Work Schedule: Thursday-Friday 7:30-4pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application.
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/.
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of the evaluation or examination.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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 11/27/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12607609.
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/818790400. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?
Welcome to the Heartland of America and the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System. Omaha's cost of living is 8 % lower than the US average. The Nebraska unemployment rate is 2.9 %, which is decreased from the US average of 4.1, and jobs have increased by 1.2% in 2017. It was ranked #13 in the U.S. for the "Top States for Business" in 2017. Home to four Fortune 500 companies. Omaha continues to be recognized as a wonderful community where affordability and a strong economy attract young professionals, while safety, and a plethora of education options and family-friendly activities are appealing to those with kids. The median home cost is $158,700 with appreciate average rates at 1.8%, which have gone up 9.8% over the past year. An average commute time is approximately 20 minutes in the Omaha metro area.
VA NWIHCS is an integrated system that serves more than 148,000 Veterans in 101 counties in Nebraska, western Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. It includes a tertiary medical center in Omaha, 2 larger clinics in Lincoln and Grand Island (which includes a Community Living Center), 5 community-based outpatient clinics, and one contract clinic.
