Summary The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center is seeking a highly qualified for a Dental Hygienist position in Wichita, KS. This announcement is open to current, permanent VA employees and employees of other Federal agencies. U.S. Citizens please apply to announcement number: CBSS-12654056-25-KS.* Responsibilities Robert J Dole VA Medical Center committed to Diversity and Inclusion. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working and learning environment that promotes professional growth and teamwork. We offer an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment where we celebrate our individual differences and unite as a team toward a common goal of providing outstanding service to our Nation's Veterans. The duties of the position range from the GS-05, GS-06, GS-07, and GS-08 developmental levels to the full performance level of the GS-09. Patient Care Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Provides routine oral prophylactic care to include application of fluoride solutions. Provides gross debridement, scaling and root planning procedures under the guidance of a more experienced hygienist. Cleans dental prostheses, fixed and removable. Is familiar with the dental recare system, consulting with the doctor for additional care. Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection-control protocols. Performs annual suicide screening as needed. Recommends and explains oral hygiene devices to assist veterans at home. Performs oral cancer screenings under supervision of the dentist or a more experienced hygienist. Chart periodontal pockets annually. Enter PSR readings at every preventative visit. Perform oral health assessment under the supervision of a dentist or more experienced hygienist. Review medical history in conjunction with supervising dentist or hygienist to check for contraindications or treatment alterations. Patient Education Provides patient education appropriate to the Veteran's needs and oral condition. Discuss smoking cessation with supervision from senior hygienists or dentist. Screen patients for signs of bruxism and discuss with treating dentist. Dental Imaging Enter dental imaging order into CPRS at the direction of the treating dentist. Takes radiographic images characterized by diagnostic quality, accurate orientation, and proper exposure. Retakes are minimal and at the direction of the dentist. Utilizes dental-imaging safety techniques. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Demonstrates proper infection-control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory. Properly prepares instruments for sterilization by SPS standards. Prepares instruments efficiently in a manner that does not delay clinical care. Demonstrates proper infection-control procedures in exposing images. Utilizes Universal Precautions with all patients. Wears proper PPE and completes annual respirator training. Clerical Functions Assists patients in scheduling appointments with dental MSA and enters RTC orders at the dentist's request. Assists in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments. Charts findings and treatment provided in patient records. 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 TJC requirements. Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. Utilizes patient lift with buddy system. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 08:00AM-4:30PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized GS-05 Pay Range: $39,576-$51,446 GS-06 Pay Range: $44,117-$57,354 GS-07 Pay Range: $49,025- $63,733 GS-08 Pay Range: $54,292-$70,578 GS-09 Pay Range: $59,966-$77,955 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. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications 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. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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/. Additional Information 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. 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. 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.