Dental Hygienist

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Dental Hygienist plans and directs a preventive dental health program, instructs patients in oral health care, and administers oral prophylaxis. The position develops teaching aids and preventive methods for the inmate population and provides individual and group instruction in proper oral hygiene using materials such as teeth models, displays, disclosing solutions, toothbrushes, and floss. The hygienist demonstrates brushing and flossing techniques using toothbrushes, floss threaders, Perio-Aids, and Proxabrushes. As a correctional institution employee, the incumbent is also responsible for maintaining institutional security. Correctional duties take precedence over other responsibilities and are performed regularly. The position requires a current, active, unrestricted dental hygiene license and documentation of completion of a program qualifying the applicant to administer X-rays or perform radiologic procedures. Applicants must meet the specialized-experience requirements for the applicable grade level. The appointment is subject to pre-employment screening, including an interview, urinalysis, physical examination, background investigation, NCIC and credit checks, and, when applicable, a qualification inquiry concerning misdemeanor domestic-violence convictions. Successful completion of a three-week Introduction to Correctional Techniques course in Glynco, Georgia, is required.

Requirements

Hold a current, active, unrestricted license to practice dental hygiene in a U.S. state or territory or the District of Columbia.
Submit proof of licensure and evidence of completing a program certifying the applicant to administer X-rays or perform radiologic procedures; acceptable documentation must be uploaded with the application.
Meet applicable radiologic personnel credentialing standards under 42 CFR Part 75 when administering radiologic procedures.
For GL-06 or GL-07, have one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level, including oral prophylactic care and oral health education; education cannot substitute for experience at these grade levels.
For higher grade levels, qualifying specialized experience additionally includes advanced prophylactic, therapeutic, and preventive procedures for periodontal or other medical or dental conditions, placing temporary fillings, and finishing amalgam restorations.
For positions involving X-rays, have experience taking and interpreting X-rays.
Complete pre-employment and panel interviews, urinalysis, physical examination, and background investigation; pass applicable NCIC and credit checks.
Complete a qualification inquiry regarding misdemeanor domestic-violence convictions if applicable to authorization to carry a firearm.
Successfully complete the required three-week Introduction to Correctional Techniques course in Glynco, Georgia.
U.S. citizenship is required; Selective Service requirements apply.
Meet applicable federal maximum-entry-age rules; applicants above age 36 with prior federal law-enforcement coverage must provide an SF-50 verifying prior coverage, and qualifying veterans may be exempt.

Responsibilities

Plan and direct the preventive dental health program.
Instruct patients in oral health care and administer oral prophylaxis.
Develop teaching aids and preventive methods for the inmate population.
Provide individual and group instruction in proper oral hygiene using educational materials and demonstrations.
Demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques using toothbrushes, floss threaders, Perio-Aids, and Proxabrushes.
Maintain the security of the institution; perform correctional responsibilities regularly and give them precedence over other duties.