Dental Hygienist

<p>The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa is currently recruiting for one full-time Dental Hygienist. This position is located within the Surgical Care department at the Lincoln VA Clinic in Lincoln, Nebraska. 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. Recruitment/Relocation incentive may be authorized for highly qualified candidates</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Perform dental prophylaxis and periodontal maintenance procedures using hand and ultrasonic instruments, to include gross debridement, curettage and 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. 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. Exposes prescribed radiographs. Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed. Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized. 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. Wears appropriate protective attire and assure that the patient is provided eye protection during procedures. 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. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized for highly qualified applicants. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized</p><h3>Requirements</h3>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. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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.<h3>Education</h3>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/.