GS-8 Senior Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant Dental Assistants at the senior clinical expanded function level perform a higher level scope complexity and variety of dental assisting duties representing the clinical assignment and apply advanced clinical skills.
All requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement, 08/15/2025. 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: Experience: Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work, or provides familiarity with the work. OR, Education: Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). OR, 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: Successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting 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 (DoD). The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes DANB as the national certification for Dental Assistants. DANB certification is required for all positions above the full performance level. English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grade Determinations: GS-8 Senior Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant Experience: At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level, GS-7, or equivalent that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. These include: Ability to perform dental assisting expanded functions; Comprehensive working knowledge of advanced imaging techniques in order to provide instruction (e.g. cone beam, cephalometric, advanced panoramic imaging, TMJ, etc). AND Certification: Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs. a. Competency in expanded functions to include placement and finishing of permanent restorative materials such as amalgam and/or composite; or recording of final impressions. b. Comprehensive and thorough knowledge of all aspects of dental imaging. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. Duties include, but are not limited to: Monitors manages and response to post surgical bleeding Takes final impressions for a variety of basic and specialty procedures Performs supra gingival scaling Applies pit and fissure sealants new line Places liners and bases Places and finish is permanent restorative materials Makes final impressions Adjust dentures Applies pit and fissure sealants Places liners and bases Records final impressions Adjust removable prostheses Performs tasks defined by state credentialing boards Responsible for imaging quality control program (troubleshoots and makes appropriate referrals for identified imaging issues)Assists in developing equipment requests and justifications based on workload analysis Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, coworkers, and the public Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedures and cleans dental unit for timely turnover Possesses advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative, surgical, endodontic and periodontal care Monitors and performs basic interpretation of patient vital signs and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedure Performs mouth mirror inspection of the oral cavity Charts existing restoration and conditions Gathers diagnostic information Monitors nitrous oxide analgesic Performs pulp vitality testing Assists in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four handed dentistry 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 Accomplishes all intraoperative procedures within standard infection control protocols Assists in specialized dental procedures such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant placement and restoration Maintains both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standards Monitors patient vital signs and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedure relays patient concerns to treating dentist Applies topical anesthetic at the injection site Places and removes rubber dams and matrix bands Places and removes retraction cord Possesses comprehensive and thorough knowledge of advanced imaging techniques Modify settings to achieve the images as requested by the provider Captures images characterized by diagnostic quality that are accurately oriented and exposed Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination Follows all standard operating procedures for reusable medical equipment Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments Assist dentists and charting findings and treatment plans and patient records Work Schedule: Full-time; Monday-Friday. Tour of duty will be discussed during interview. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized