Dental Hygienist

The Dental Hygienist (Advanced Clinical) position is in the James E. Van Zandt Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Altoona, PA, under the Dental Surgical Service. Conducts patient medical assessments, manages diseases and treatments, provides denture care and adjustments, performs scaling and root planning, and provides patient or group education.

Major duties include, but are not limited to: Responsible for obtaining and recording comprehensive medical-including vitals, medications, and social history-dental, and dietary histories. Performs dental charting, caries detection, and assessment of abnormalities and periodontal conditions. Prepares the operatory for planned procedures and maintains efficient turnover, ensuring safe handling of instruments.

Delivers routine oral prophylactic care, including fluoride application, with awareness of appropriate indications and safe use. Conducts gross debridement, deep scaling, curettage, and root planing with skilled instrumentation. Detects plaque, calculus, inflammation, and dental pathologies, and adapts care based on patients' medical histories, anxiety, phobias, medications, comorbidities, and age-related factors to maximize safety and comfort.

Cleans dental prostheses and assists the dentist during the absence of the dental assistant. Applies desensitizing and sealant materials, places sedative/temporary restorations, recements crowns/bridges, performs minor dental prostheses adjustments and enameloplasty, makes study model impressions, removes sutures, and ensures all procedures follow infection control protocols. Provides individualized education tailored to Veterans' oral health needs, including post-procedure instructions, tobacco cessation, and caries and periodontal disease prevention strategies. Clearly explains hygiene procedures, anticipated outcomes, complications, and indications.

Develops and delivers individual and group oral health instruction to inpatients, outpatients, and caregivers on periodontal disease, wellness, maintenance, oral hygiene practices, parafunctional habits, and the effects of illness, addiction, medications, and tobacco on oral health. Produces diagnostic-quality dental images with accurate orientation and exposure. Adheres to stringent infection control measures when preparing and cleaning operatory spaces.

Prepares instruments for sterilization in accordance with SPD standards, ensuring no delay in clinical care. Supports appointment scheduling and helps fill schedule gaps caused by cancellations or missed appointments. Maintains patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations for both written and verbal information.

Adheres to computer security protocols. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 7:00 am - 3:30 pm; Monday - Friday Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000 / Dental Hygienist Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized