This position is located in the Dental Service with the New Mexico VA Health Care System in Albuquerque, NM. As a Dental Assistant (Clinical Expanded Function), the incumbent works with the supervisor or Chief of Dental Service at the advanced level, performing at a higher scope, complexity, and variety, representing the clinical assignment, and applies advanced clinical skills.
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. Experience and Education. Applicant must have six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work, or provides familiarity with the work. OR Have a successfully completed a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). OR Have 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. Applicants must have one of the following: 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). 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 not required, but highly desirable for the appointment of Dental Assistants up to and including the full performance level, and is required for all positions above the full performance level. 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-07 Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant - Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to meeting the experience requirement at the GS-07 level, do you possess the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities? 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). 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-7. Physical Requirements: Long periods of standing, walking, sitting, and bending are required. Pushing dental equipment and carts are necessary to deliver items to the operatory or procedure site. It is necessary to climb onto lifts to retrieve or store supplies, or to help the dentist carry out a surgical or dental procedure. Lifting of patients from gurneys or wheelchairs into the dental chair is required to position them for radiographs or dental examination and treatment.
Duties include: Expanded function duties may include. Perform mouth mirror inspection of the oral cavity. Gather diagnostic information. Perform pulp vitality testing. Chart existing restoration and conditions. Assist customers with questions or concerns and provide service recovery Set up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and clean dental unit for timely turnover. Possess advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative, surgical, endodontic and periodontal care. Monitor, and perform basic interpretation of, patient vital signs (BP, pulse, pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedure. Assist in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed Dentistry. Pass instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Keep operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably. Possess comprehensive knowledge of advanced imaging techniques in order to provide instruction. Disinfect oral appliances to prevent cross contamination. Assist dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records. Maintain patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information. Follow computer security regulations. Provide accurate and understandable instructions to patients. Monitor patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized