The Lead Dental Assistant works with the Supervisory Dental Assistant and Dental Service Chief to monitor and make work assignments, provide input on performance, resolve daily workplace issues, and maintain efficient flow of patient care. May approve brief periods of leave, provide training to staff dental assistants, students and/or trainees; may recommend special advancements and promotions, disciplinary actions.
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. Experience and Education (1) Experience. Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work, or provides familiarity with the work. OR, 2) Education. Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on [Dental] Accreditation [(CODA)]. OR, (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. Certification. Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR 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. Provisions for Certification of Radiologic Competence (1) Successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc.; OR, (2) 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, (3) Successful completion of a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the Department of Defense (DoD). Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB): The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes DANB as the national certification for Dental Assistants. DANB certification is required for this position. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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-7: Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-06) that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. Examples of experience at this level include but are not limited to: using the concepts of four-handed dentistry; assists with specialty procedures including oral surgery, periodontal therapy, endodontic, prosthodontic and implant placement and restoration; anticipates surgeons/specialists needs at each stage of treatment; takes preliminary impressions; selects and manipulates a variety of gypsums and waxes; pours, trims and evaluates the quality of diagnostic casts; fabricates custom trays. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice, and demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants. Skill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignments. Ability to assist in dental program development, outcome management, and strategic planning. Skill in acting as liaison between staff dental assistants and the supervisor. Ability to provide professional oversight and consultation for staff dental assistants. Preferred Experience: At least 2 plus years' experience as a dental assistant Excellent Customer Service and Communication Skills Must be able to work under pressure and plan workload without halting operation as a whole while showing initiative in completing priority tasks. Experience with Microsoft office, Microsoft Excel, Multi phone line Experience in coordinating clinic workflow and assignments Experience in supervising a team of employees and providing professional oversight and consultation 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-07. Physical Requirements: Light Lifting, under 15 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Straight pulling, 5 hours; Pushing, 5 hours; Reaching above shoulder; Use of Fingers; Both hands required; Walking, 1 hour; Standing, 4 hours; Repeat Bending, 3 hours; Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors Hearing (aid permitted).
Major duties include, but not limited to: Leads a team of employees performing at the GS-7 level or below. Provides guidance and technical direction necessary for accomplishing the work of the team. Serves as a work leader, assuring the work assignments of employees in the unit are carried out. Coordinates daily dental assistant work assignments at the start of the shift and throughout the day as the need arises. Monitors the status and progress of work and makes adjustment in accordance with established priorities. Obtains assistance from the supervisor as needed for major issues or problems which arise. Checks work in progress to see that the supervisor's instructions have been met. Instructs employees in specific tasks and job techniques. Trains employees (dentist, dental residents, and dental assistants) in computerized dental patient record systems including generating patient consults, storing and viewing digital images, entry of diagnostic data and preparation of treatment planning. Trains team members, students and volunteers in the accomplishment of tasks or projects. Maintains current knowledge and answers questions from team members on procedures, policies, and directives. Organizes and maintains Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Provides input in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the dental staff for Reusable Medical Equipment. Trains dental staff in SOPs and reports noncompliance to supervisor. Participates in the management of dental supplies to assure adequate stock levels and appropriate storage. Serves as a liaison between the scheduler and the dentist to maintain efficient and productive use of the dentists' patient care time and minimize missed opportunities. Makes written instructions, reference materials, and relevant background material available. Obtains needed information on decisions from the supervisor on major issues and problems that arise. Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. TMJ, ceph, cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formats. Modifies settings to achieve the images as requested by the provider. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:30am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000, Lead Dental Assistant Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized