Dental Hygienist (Advanced Clinical)

Dental hygienists at this level are advanced-level practitioners in assigned areas. 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. Employees work closely with, and under the general direction of, a dentist or periodontist.

Duties and skills needed to be successful in this position include, but are not limited to :

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 Delivers care that reflects the Veteran's and the family's personal goals, personal preferences Demonstrates knowledge and application of patient and family centered care in written care plans, instructions to patients, and in observation of the actual care provided Demonstrates non-judgmental understanding of the Veteran's and family's knowledge, values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds.

Patient Care - Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover Handles instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently Assess clinical findings, including normal and critical lab results, and adapt care based on finding. Interview patient and assess patient's medical, dental, anxiety / phobias, medications, and comorbidities Assesses 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 Provides routine oral prophylaxis, gross debridement, soft tissue curettage, deep scaling and root planning procedures to patients with complex periodontal / restorative conditions and complex medical / psychiatric issues Safely utilizes advanced adjunctive diagnostic and therapeutic equipment (e.g. sonic, magnetostrictive ultrasonic, and piezo ultrasonic scalers) Cleans dental prostheses, fixed and removable Manages dental recall system, referring patients to the doctor for additional care when needed Evaluate patient's caries risk and select and apply appropriate fluoride solutions Makes impressions for fluoride carrier trays Administers topical anesthetic agents Applies desensitizing and sealant materials Administers local anesthetic (per State license) Administers intrasulcular anti-infective agents and sulcular lavage per direction of dentist / periodontist Applies and removes periodontal dressings per direction of dentist Accomplishes all procedures within standard infection control protocols.

Patient / Healthcare Provider Education - Provides patient education appropriate to the Veteran's needs and oral condition Explains hygiene procedures, indications, complications and expected outcomes to individual patient and caregiver Prepares and provides education on periodontal disease, wellness, health maintenance, oral hygiene practices, and effect of illness, addictions, medications, and tobacco on the oral cavity Applies adult education techniques / methods, organizes curriculum, judges cognitive ability, and provides healthcare education regarding relationships between medical and dental pathologies to groups and / or interdisciplinary staff.

Dental Imaging - 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 (CBCT) and equipment to detect abnormalities.

Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization - Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPS standards Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images.

Clerical Functions Assists - patients in scheduling appointments, places appropriate RTC orders Assists in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments Chart's findings, treatment plans, and treatment provided in patient records Updated 10 / 2024 g. Information Management Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information, follows computer security regulations.

Patient Safety - Modifies care as appropriate for patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position) Modifies care based on patient's medical, dental, anxiety / phobias, medications, and comorbidities Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients Participates in patient identification and time out per TJC requirements. Monitor's patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress.

Employee Education - Complies with Employee Education requirements Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions Prepares and presents hygiene / safety updates at the Dental Staff Meeting Instruct and supervise dental hygiene students.

Other duties as assigned to meet the needs of the Medical Center.

Work Schedule : Monday - Friday

Compressed / Flexible : Authorized

Telework : Not Authorized

Virtual : This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement # : 54035-A

Relocation / Recruitment Incentives : Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) : Not Authorized