The position is located in the Dental Department of the Surgery Care Line at the Lebanon VA Medical Center. The assistant enhances the dentist's capabilities by facilitating patient care in the areas of restorative dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, radiology, and oral surgery. The assistant also provides emotional support for the patient, assumes delegated responsibilities from the dentist, and acts as a liaison between Dental Clinic and the medical center sterilization program.
Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English Experience and Education: Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work; OR successful completion of a 1-year dental program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA); OR Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying. Certification: Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CRF Part 75. Essentially they 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, and be certified as radiographers in their field. This can include any of the following: Successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assistant National Board, Inc. OR Successful completion of the Principles and Practice of Dental Radiology and Radiographic Safety courses and examinations developed by the Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Dentistry. OR Successful completion of a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the Department of Defense. 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: GS-06 Staff Dental Assistant (Full Performance Level): At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities at the GS-5 level are: Knowledge of anatomy and ability to evaluate diagnostic quality. Broad knowledge of common medical emergencies and vital signs measurement. Basic knowledge of instruments, materials and standardized dental procedures. Ability to learn and utilize software programs used within VHA. Basic communication skills to provide patient instructions according to established protocol. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs at the GS-6 level: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to identify normal oral anatomy. Advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative, surgical, endodontic and periodontal care and procedures. Ability to monitor and perform basic interpretation of vital signs. Ability to independently provide procedure-specific patient education and appropriate referral of patient concerns to treating dentist. Ability to capture standard and special dental images of good diagnostic quality in traditional or digital formats. Ability to perform maintenance on dental equipment used for routine and specialty dentistry. Ability to enter and retrieve data utilizing electronic dental records. Ability to perform dental assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: Physical Requirements: moderate lifting and carrying; straight pulling and pushing; use of fingers, both hands required; walking and standing; repeated bending; both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near and far vision (correctable), both eyes required; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); mental and emotional stability . ENVIORONMENTAL FACTORS: Excessive noise (intermittent); dust, fumes, smoke or gases; radiant energy; working around machinery with moving parts; working closely with others.
Duties of the Staff Dental Assistant include but are not limited to the following: Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public. Assists patients with questions and concerns. Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably. Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions. Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed. Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized. Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame. Provides patient education appropriate to the veteran's needs and oral conditions. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures when providing services. Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards. Provides oral hygiene instructions and general information to patients. Prepares instruments and materials needed for operating room procedures, and assists in oral surgery in the operating room, following proper O.R. protocol. Answers telephone, and schedules patients as needed. Assists the Periodontist, Oral Surgeon, and Endodontist. Work Schedule: 10-hour shift; 7:00 am- 5:00pm, Monday - Friday with 1 day off Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized