Dental Hygienist - Advanced Clinical
About This Position
Dental hygienists at this level are advanced-level practitioners in assigned areas. Higher-level duties consist of significant scope, complexity, and range of variety, and will be performed most of the hygienist's time. Serves as coordinator of the Dental Hygiene Student Program and provides hands-on clinical instruction to dental hygiene or dental assisting students during their clinic rotations, including all training required by the Sheridan College Dental Hygiene Program.
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: United States Citizenship Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education 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.] Licensure/Certification 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. P.L. 97-35, Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act Of 1981, requires persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 C.F.R.
Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs for and the Credentialing of Radiologic Personnel. To meet this requirement, 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 meets the requirement for certification as dental radiographers.
Exceptions for Non-Certified Dental Hygienist. (a) Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate dental hygienist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B), Temporary Full Time Appointments, Part-Time Appointments and Without-Compensation Appointments for a Period Not to Exceed Two Years. (b) Non-certified individuals shall only provide care under the supervision of a certified dental hygienist at or above the full performance level. (c) Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained. (d) Temporary appointments of non-certified dental hygienist may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. Foreign Education To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. English Language Proficiency Dental hygienist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f) GRADE DETERMINATIONS Dental Hygienist, GS-10 (Advanced Clinical) Experience.
At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that is directly related to the position being filled fully meets the KSAs at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-09 level, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: i. Knowledge of medical assessment techniques including interviewing and evaluating clinical findings (e.g. normal and critical lab values) to adapt treatment based on medical and psychological issues. ii. Advanced knowledge of oral and dental anatomy including root anatomy, common pathologies and anomalies, and indications for advanced radiographic imaging and proper technique to detect potential abnormalities. iii.
Knowledge of medical treatment adjuncts and indications and the ability to safely administer medicaments (e.g. intrasulcular medicaments, local anesthesia, sulcular lavage, applying and removing periodontal surgical dressing). iv. Knowledge of advanced adjunctive diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, indication for use and ability to utilize safely (e.g. sonic, magnetostrictive ultrasonic, and piezo ultrasonic scalers). v. Skill in providing safe and thorough prophylaxis, root planing and soft-tissue curettage for complex periodontal and/or restorative cases and skill in providing safe care for patients with complex medical/psychiatric issues. vi.
Ability to apply adult education techniques/methods, organize curriculum, judge cognitive ability, and provide healthcare education regarding relationships between medical and dental pathologies to groups, interdisciplinary staff, and other outside contacts. GS-9 level KSAs: i. Knowledge of hygiene procedures to explain the process and indication, complications and expected treatment outcomes for each. ii.
Knowledge of proper usage of dental radiography equipment, radiation safety, assessment of proper image capture and interpretation of films. iii. Knowledge to select appropriate available fluoride products and indications/limitations for safe and proper application. iv. Skill in detecting plaque and calculus, dental abnormalities/pathologies, assessing inflammation and providing safe instrumentation for each procedure. v.
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. vi. Ability to assess the patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications and comorbidities to administer safe patient care. vii. 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.
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). Preferred Experience: Minimum 1 year clinical hygiene. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: Long periods of sitting and recurring bending and reaching are required while performing dental hygiene procedures. The hygienist must also demonstrate above average dexterity in manipulating sharp dental instruments and demonstrations of oral hygiene techniques.
Major Duties
Performs comprehensive medical assessments and appropriate adaptation techniques to provide safe and effective periodontal care in severely compromised patients. Dental screenings independently outside of the dental clinic at inpatient residential areas and adapt treatment based on findings of medically/mentally/physically compromised patients. Uses more advanced adjunctive, diagnostic tools and techniques for monitoring clinical disease processes.
Designs customized adaptive aids based on assessment of patients' abilities and disabilities. Manages advanced medical and behavioral risk factors for medically/mentally/physically compromised patients including indication of administration of adjunctive therapies Serves as member of relevant hospital committees and patient wellness programs. Provides oral/written tobacco cessation education and works with our tobacco cessation coordinator.
Provides oral/written training protocols for the dental hygiene students. Provides oral health presentations to nursing staff, diabetic educators, and other disciplines. Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover.
Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Assesses clinical findings, including normal and critical lab results, and adapt care based on findings. Interviews patient 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. Recognizes age-related changes in individual patients, adapts patient's environment, and maximizes patient's physical comfort. Provides routine oral prophylaxis, gross debridement, soft tissue curettage, and deep scaling and root planning procedures to patients with complex periodontal/restorative conditions and complex medical/psychiatric issues.
Utilizes advanced adjunctive diagnostic and therapeutic equipment (e.g. sonic, magnetostrictive ultrasonic, and piezo ultrasonic scalers). Cleans dental prostheses, fixed and removable. Performs advanced adjunctive treatment such as dietary analysis for caries risk and nutritional counseling to control and prevent caries, and applies appropriate fluoride solutions.
Manages dental recall system, referring patients to the doctor for additional care when needed - Applies desensitizing and sealant materials. Makes impressions for fluoride carrier trays. Administers topical anesthetic agents.
Administers local anesthetic. Administers local anti-microbial agents per direction of dentist. Develops a plan for management of xerostomia especially in patients receiving chemotherapy and/or head and neck radiation.
Works in collaboration with VA or Non-VA periodontists on periodontal cases. Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols. Provides patient education appropriate to the veteran's needs and oral condition.
Develops, prepares, and provides both individual and group oral health care instruction to inpatients, outpatients, and caregivers. Presents oral health education classes for patients in collaboration with other disciplines such as: Diabetes Education program with nutrition clinic, primary care, optometry, etc. Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed.
Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized. Recognizes common pathologies and utilizes advanced radiographic technique and equipment to detect abnormalities. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory.
Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization per VA Dental Infection Control Standard Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images. Assists patients in scheduling appointments.
Assists in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments. Charts findings, treatment plans, and treatment provided in patient records. Maintains patient confidentiality of written and verbal information, per HIPAA.
Provides oversight and coordination of the Dental Hygiene Student Rotation in collaboration with the program director, Sheridan College Dental Hygiene Program director and faculty, and dental hygiene students. Provides hands-on clinical instruction to dental hygiene or dental assisting students during their clinic rotations, including all training required by the Sheridan College Dental Hygiene Program (e.g. grading calibration, required documentation, reporting processes, etc.) Work Schedule: Monday-Thursday; 7:00 am - 4:30 pm; every other Friday 7:00 am - 3:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 577410 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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 you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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/.
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.
Additional Information
*This is an open continuous announcement until July 31, 2026. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. * The initial cutoff date to review applicants will be on May 11, 2026. 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.
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.
How to Apply
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 07/31/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12949521. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.
Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: License Resume Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field. 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 (VA) License Other (1) Professional Certification Resume 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.