Dental Hygienist-Recruitment/Relocation Incentive

About the role

The Primary Purpose of the Position is: the Purpose of the position is to serve as a Dental Hygienist and provide direct patient care under the general supervision of a Dentist assigned the Dental Service and performs other clinical functions independently of direct supervision.

The Organizational Location of the Position is: This position is located in the Dental Service at one of the satellite campuses, Fort Worth Texas.

What you will do

• Customer Service/Veteran-Centered Care - Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers, and the public. - Assists customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery. - Delivers care that reflects the Veteran's and the family's personal goals, personal preferences, and freedom of choice. - Demonstrates non-judgmental understanding of the Veteran's and family's knowledge, values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds. - Demonstrates collaborative orientation to working with patients and families.
• Patient Care - 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. - Annotates chart findings, treatments plans, and treatment provided in Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). - 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 planning procedures. - Provides subgingival curettage. - Cleans dental prostheses, fixed and removable. - Applies appropriate topical fluoride solutions or varnishes. - Makes impressions for fluoride carrier trays. - 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.
• Dental Imaging - Performs dental imaging which consists of taking digital and/or conventional radiographs of in-patients and outpatients according to prescription, including periapical, bitewing, occlusal, panoramic, cephalometric, and 3D 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. - Enters RTC orders in CPRS with information about future 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.
• Safety - Observes and complies with all established safety practices. - 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. - Verifies that Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are updated. - Reports any work-related injuries, illnesses, and diseases immediately to the supervisor. - Ensures that working conditions and work practices within the worksite are such that the possibilities of on-the-job injuries are minimized.
• Employee Education - Completes mandatory annual training sessions. - Maintains all continuing education requirements for professional licensure, certifications, etc. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement: 54051-F, 54051-F, 54053-F, 54054-F, 54055-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

• 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 (***).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification 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 you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

NOTE: A transcript MUST be submitted with your application packet if you are basing any part of your qualifications on this.

Applicants must possess an Associate degree or higher from an accredited dental hygiene program.

The degree must have been obtained from an institution whose accreditation was in place for the year in which the course of study was completed. Approved programs are: (1) Dental hygiene programs accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

(2) [Education completed outside of the United States must be considered at least equivalent to that gained in CODA accredited United States programs and would enable the candidate to sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, which is administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.

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: ***

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: ***

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

How you will be evaluated

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.

Documents you must provide

• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Other (1) Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
• You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.).
• If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation.
• Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
• Documentation is required to award preference.
• For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
• Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

What to expect next

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.

Additional information

Continued from Qualifications . 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.

Preferred Experience: 3-5 years Preferred Experiences in dental hygiene Advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standard dental procedures used in dental hygiene and periodontal care and procedures. Ability to monitor and perform basis interpretation of vital signs.

Ability to independently provide procedure-specific patient education and appropriate referral of patient concerns to treating dentist. Ability to capture standard and special dental images of good diagnostic quality in traditional or digital formats. Ability to enter and retrieve data utilizing electronic dental records.

The full performance level of this vacancy is 09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 05 to 09.

Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Hearing (aid permitted) Receiving Service Credit for 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.

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.

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.