The Primary Purpose of the Position is: The purpose of this position is to serve as a Dental Hygienist and provide direct patient care under the general supervision of a Dentist assigned the Dental Service and performs other clinical functions independently of direct supervision. Basic Requirements: To qualify for appointment as a dental hygienist, all applicants must possess the following: 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 § 7407(a), Administrative Provisions for Section 7405 and 7406 Appointments. 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