Dental Hygienist

<p>The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Dental Hygienist for the Dental Clinic at the Buffalo VA Medical Center.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>The Dental Hygienist duties include, but are not limited to: 1. Planning the sequence of dental hygiene procedures for appointments, instructing patients on brushing and flossing, diet and nutrition counseling and recommending hygiene products. 2. Review the patient medical and dental history to provide safe, effective, and appropriate therapy. 3. Conduct head and neck examinations and complete intraoral inspection of the hard and soft tissue and seeks consultation with dentist to assess abnormal findings. 4. Perform dental prophylaxis and periodontal maintenance procedures to include scaling, root planning, application of medications, and tooth polishing. 5. Maintain a clean and well organized dental operatory. 6. Maintain all instruments and equipment in proper working condition. 7. Wear appropriate attire that reflects professionalism and inspires patient confidence. 8. Provide oral and written information to assist the patient in the prevention and management of oral disease. 9. Wear appropriate protective attire and assure that the patient is provided eye protection during procedures. 10. Maintain the dental operatory in accordance with local and federal regulations. 11. Maintain dental instruments and armamentarium at a level of sterility in accordance with local and federal regulations and according to the Dental Program Infection Control Policy including proper management of RME. 12. Complete clinical progress notes within 24 hours of completion of care. 13. Record appropriate codes for procedures accomplished. 14. Use appropriate template for progress notes. 15. Demonstrate effective communication skills with patients and staff that facilitate optimal patient care and reduce or eliminate patient complaints 16. Respond to queries related to patient care within 48 hours. 17. Monitor voicemail and Secure Messaging notifications daily to assure timely response to patient queries. 18. Manage clinical time efficiently to maximize the quantity and quality of care provided to patients. 19. Manage clinical supplies prudently and assure that all medications and supplies are used prior to imprinted expiration dates. 20. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized 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 identification 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 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>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/.