• Job Description

  Req#: 841455700
  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. It is expected that they provide direct patient care and receive guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients.
  

  Duties

  
  

  The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
  
  Major duties include but are not limited to:
  
  a. Customer Service
  Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers, and the public
  Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery
  b. Patient Care
  Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover
  Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently
  Performs dental prophylaxis and periodontal maintenance procedures using hand and ultrasonic instruments to include gross debridement, curettage, 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.
  c. Patient Education
  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
  d. Dental Imaging
  Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed
  Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized
  e. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization
  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
  Wear appropriate protective attire and assure that the patient is provided eye protection during procedures.
  f. Clerical Functions
  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
  g. Information Management
  Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information
  Follows computer security regulations
  h. 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 JCAHO requirements
  Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress
  Performs procedures, such as medical and dental history review to search for evidence of past and present conditions which may complicate or alter dental hygiene treatment.
  i. Employee Education
  Complies with Employee Education requirements
  Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions
  Prepares and presents monthly Safety Training to Dental Service Staff
  
  Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30-4pm
  Telework: Not Available
  Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
  Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
  Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

  
  

  Requirements

  
  

• About the company

  The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a Cabinet-level executive branch department of the federal government charged with integrating life-long healthcare services to eligible military veterans at the 1700 VA medical centers and outpatient clinics located throughout the country.

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