This position is expected to perform a full range of duties with some independence in assigned specialties, with indirect supervision from the Lead Dental Assistant, Supervisor or treating Dentist.
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: 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. Education and/or Experience: 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). 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). 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: Experience: At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: 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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
As a Dental Assistant, you will: Show courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public. Provide assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery. Set up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Passe instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Keep operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably for patients. Prepare 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. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory. Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPS standards. Instruments are prepared in manner that does not delay clinical care. Demonstrate proper infection control procedures in exposing images. Assist patients in scheduling appointments. Assist in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellation and failed appointments. 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. Modify care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position). Provide accurate and understandable instructions to patients. Participate in patient identification and time out per Joint Commissions requirements. Monitor patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. Comply with Employee Education requirements. Complete mandatory annual safety training sessions. Pour impressions and prepares study model. Select and manipulate a variety of gypsums and waxes. Make final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims. Fabricate custom trays. Assist with specialty procedures including oral surgery, periodontal therapy, endodontic, prosthodontic, and implant placement and restoration. Anticipate surgeons/specialists needs at each stage of treatment. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:30am to 4pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 08338-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized