Dental Hygienist

# Dental Hygienist Department of Veterans Affairs | Veterans Health Administration | Oklahoma City VA Health Care System

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## Summary 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 dentists general direction.

• Announcement Type: OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT
• Status: Open until September 30, 2026, or until all positions are filled.

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## Overview

• Application Status: Accepting applications
• Open & Closing Dates: March 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026
• Salary: $59,600 to $117,404 per year
• Salary Admin Plan VS80 effective 11/12/2026
• Pay Scale & Grade: GS 5 - 9
• Location: 1 vacancy in Oklahoma City, OK
• Remote Job: No
• Telework Eligible: No
• Travel Required: 25 or less (You may be expected to travel for this position)
• Relocation Expenses Reimbursed: No
• Appointment Type: Permanent
• Work Schedule: Full-time - Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• Service: Excepted
• Promotion Potential: 9
• Job Family/Series: 0682 Dental Hygiene
• Supervisory Status: No
• Security Clearance: Not Required
• Drug Test: Yes
• Position Sensitivity and Risk: Non-sensitive NS / Low Risk
• Bargaining Unit Status: No
• Announcement Number: CBSU-12920390-26-AS
• Control Number: 862399100

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## This Job Is Open To

• Federal employees - Competitive service
• Federal employees - Excepted service
• Internal to an agency
• Clarification from the Agency: Open to current permanent Department of Veterans Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies, current/past/upcoming VHA Health Professions Trainee (HPT) Graduates.
• Veterans Preference: Not applicable.
• Note: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.

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## Duties

### 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 Veterans 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 patients 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. This is not a virtual position.

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## Requirements

### Conditions of Employment

• 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 forms 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: Drivers licenses or state-issued identification 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.
• Trial Period: As a condition of employment, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated. 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.

### Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational, certification, or licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

#### Basic Requirements

1. Citizenship Be a Citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407a.

2. Education Applicants must possess an Associate degree or higher from an accredited dental hygiene program.

• The degree must have been obtained from an institution whose accreditation was in place for the year in which the course of study was completed.
• Approved programs are Dental hygiene programs accredited by the American Dental Associations Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
• Education completed outside of the United States must be considered at least equivalent to that gained in CODA-accredited United States programs and would enable the candidate to sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.

3. Licensure Applicants must be currently licensed to practice as a dental hygienist with a full, current, and unrestricted license in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia.

4. Certification (Radiologic Competence) P.L. 97-35 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 requires persons who administer radiologic procedures to meet credentialing standards in 42 C.F.R. Part 75.

• Must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education.
• Must be certified as radiographers in their field.
• Note: Accredited dental hygiene programs contain curriculum addressing radiologic procedures meeting the requirement for certification as dental radiographers.

5. Exceptions for Non-Certified Dental Hygienists Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure may be given a temporary appointment not to exceed two years as a graduate dental hygienist pending certification (GS-5 level only).

6. English Language Proficiency Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403f.

7. Grandfathering Provision May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

#### Grade Determinations In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected is in the range of GS-05 to GS-09.

| Grade | Experience Requirement | Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | GS-05 | None beyond basic requirements. | N/A | | GS-06 | At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level. | • Knowledge of oral prophylactic, therapeutic, and preventive procedures for periodontal diseases or inflammation or on patients with other medical/dental problems.
• Knowledge of dental methods and techniques used in performing intra- and extra-oral procedures.
• Ability to use communication techniques to encourage and inform individuals and groups. | | GS-07 | At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level demonstrating clinical competencies of that level. | • Knowledge of oral pathology (diseases of hard/soft tissues, disorders of tooth structure, developmental/congenital anomalies, salivary gland disorders, symptoms of infectious disorders, and appropriate protocols).
• Practical knowledge of medical diseases/conditions and chronic degenerative diseases as they relate to dental health and treatment.
• Knowledge of radiographic exposure techniques to produce radiographs of high diagnostic quality. | | GS-08 | At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level demonstrating clinical competencies of that level. | • Knowledge of state-of-the-art preventive dentistry measures for patient instruction and training.
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology to interpret examination requests accurately and judge radiograph acceptability.
• Knowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and related regulations/guidelines pertaining to dental matters.
• Skill in providing individual and group oral health care instructions to inpatients, outpatients, and Nursing Home Care Unit patients. | | GS-09 | At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level demonstrating clinical competencies of that level. | • Knowledge of hygiene procedures to explain process, indications, complications, and expected treatment outcomes.
• Knowledge of proper usage of dental radiography equipment, radiation safety assessment, proper image capture, and interpretation of films.
• Knowledge to select appropriate available fluoride products and indications/limitations for safe and proper application.
• Skill in detecting plaque, calculus, dental abnormalities/pathologies, assessing inflammation, and providing safe instrumentation.
• Skill in educating patients/caregivers on periodontal disease, wellness, health maintenance, oral hygiene practices, parafunctional habits, and effects of illness/addictions/medications/tobacco on the oral cavity.
• Ability to assess patient medical/dental anxiety, phobias, medications, and comorbidities to administer safe patient care.
• Ability to assess the impact of the patients medical/dental condition on maintaining oral health, recognize age-related changes, adapt patient environment, and maximize physical comfort. |

#### Physical Requirements

• Light carrying under 15 pounds and reaching above the shoulder.
• Both hands are necessary for the role.
• Ability to walk or stand for 8-10 hours and perform repeated bending.
• Both legs are required.
• Specific visual requirements for discerning small details.
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously with both eyes required for accurate depth perception and color distinction.
• Good hearing ability is essential.

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## Education 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.

• Foreign Education: If using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript to receive credit.
• Accreditation: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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## Required Documents To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

1. License
2. Clinical Applicant Full Resume/CV
   • Special Note: You must download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the link below. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted Resume document upload field.
   • Download Link: http://svacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx
   • Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the Other document upload field.
   • Resume/CV Content Requirements: For each job listed, include:
   • Job title and Duties
   • Month & year start/end (e.g., June 2020 to April 2021)
   • Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
   • Series and Grade (if applicable)
   • <
   • SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action (Current/Former Federal employees)
   • Transcript (If using education to qualify)
   • Other Accepted Documents (if applicable):
     • Cover Letter
     • DD-214 Statement of Service
     • Disability Letter VA
     • Certification of Radiologic Competence
     • SF-15
     • SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action
     • <

       Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

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       ## How to Apply

       1. Apply Online: All applicants are encouraged to apply online.
       2. Questionnaire: Complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.
       3. Deadline: The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on September 30, 2026, to receive consideration.
       4. Preview Questionnaire:Click here to view the questionnaire
       5. Process:
          • Click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.
          • Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents.
          • Complete the occupational questionnaire.
          • Click "Submit My Answers" to submit your application package.
          • <
          • Responsibility: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.

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            ## Agency Contact Information VISN 19 HR Contact Center

            • Phone: 719-227-4600
            • Email: V19USAJOBS@VA.GOV
            • Address: VA Oklahoma City Health Care System 921 Northeast 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73104 US

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            ## Next Steps

            1. Once your online application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation notification by email.
            2. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.
            3. After the review is complete, a referral certificate is issued, and applicants will be notified of their status by email.
            4. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview.
            5. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
            6. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications.

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            ## Important Notes

            • Influenza Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
            • Definition of HCP: Includes all VA licensed and unlicensed clinical and administrative remote and onsite paid and without compensation full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers, and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at VHA locations.
            • Fair Chance to Compete Act: The Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicants criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer.
            • Veterans Preference: Does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
            • Disability: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38 and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed above.