Dental Hygienist

The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System seeks a Dental Hygienist to provide direct patient care, perform clinical and clerical tasks, and plan preventive oral health programs. The role includes developing instructional methods and evaluating preventive dentistry program effectiveness under a dentist's general direction. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2026 or until all positions are filled.

Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. Customer Service: Demonstrate courtesy, respect, and maintain a positive attitude towards patients, co-workers, management, and the public. Assist customers with their questions or concerns and provide service recovery as needed. Patient Care: Prepare the operatory for planned dental procedures and ensure timely turnover of the dental unit. Handle dental instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Provide routine oral care, including fluoride treatment and gross debridement, scaling, and root planning. Clean dental prostheses (both fixed and removable) and manage the dental recall system in consultation with the doctor for additional care. Administer topical anesthetic agents and perform all procedures in accordance with standard infection-control protocols. Patient Education: Offer patient education tailored to the Veteran's needs and oral condition. Conduct individual and group oral health care instruction sessions for patients and caregivers. Dental Imaging: Take high-quality radiographic images with accurate orientation and proper exposure, with minimal need for retakes as directed by the dentist. Follow dental-imaging safety protocols. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization: Demonstrate proper infection-control procedures when setting up and cleaning the operatory. Prepare instruments for sterilization following SPS standards, ensuring no delays in clinical care. Follow proper infection-control procedures during image exposure. Clerical Functions: Assist patients in scheduling their appointments and fill gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations or failed appointments. Chart findings and treatment provided in patient records. Information Management: Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA guidelines. Follow computer security regulations. Patient Safety: Adjust care appropriately based on patient's age and abilities, including patient transfer and positioning. Provide clear and accurate instructions to patients. Participate in patient identification and time-out procedures per TJC requirements. Monitor patient condition during treatment and be alert for signs of physical distress. Employee Education: Comply with Employee Education requirements and complete mandatory annual training sessions. Meet all CE requirements for licensing. Additional Responsibilities: Perform other duties as assigned, depending on the grade level selected for. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 635-54404A, 635-54405A, 635-54406A, 635-54407A, 635-54408A

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.