Staff Dental Assistant is an integral member of the dental treatment team and assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently. 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). (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. (1) Provisions for Certification of Radiologic Competence (a) Successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc.; OR, (b) 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, (c) Successful completion of a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the Department of Defense (DoD). (2) Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification of radiologic competence may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate dental assistant under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(a)(1)(D). Failure to obtain certification during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. This will result in removal from the GS-681 series and may result in termination of employment. (3) Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable. Physical Requirements. See above. English Language Proficiency. Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 Part II chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-6 Staff Dental Assistant (Full Performance Level) (a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level: 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; and, Basic communication skills to provide patient instructions according to established protocol; AND, meet the KSAs described in the vacancy announcement. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 1. Ability to identify normal oral anatomy. 2. Advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative, surgical, endodontic and periodontal care and procedures. 3. Ability to monitor and perform basic interpretation of vital signs. 4. Ability to independently provide procedure-specific patient education and appropriate referral of patient concerns to treating dentist. 5. Ability to capture standard and special dental images of good diagnostic quality in traditional or digital formats. 6. Ability to perform maintenance on dental equipment used for routine and specialty dentistry. 7. Ability to enter and retrieve data utilizing electronic dental records. 8. Ability to perform dental assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures. (c) Assignment. Employee serves at the full performance level with the ability to perform full range of duties with some independence in assigned specialties. Assignments at this level include: 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. References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G36 Dental Assistant Qualification Standard dated April 19, 2011. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. ["*** Bargaining Position *** The incumbent will serve as a dental assistant at the full performance level for routine care and performs a full range of duties with indirect supervision from the Lead or Supervisory Dental Assistant or the treating dentist. Performs assigned selected procedures with some independence. Some complex procedures are performed under the direct supervision of more experienced dental assistant or Dental Supervisor. Assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision, other duties include but are not limited to: Customer Service Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public Chairside Assisting Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover Dental Imaging Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging in a digital format. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatory Clerical Functions Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments Information Management Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information Patient Safety Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position) Employee Education Complies with Employee Education requirements Dental Laboratory Functions Pours impressions and prepares study models Direct Patient Care Monitors' patient vital signs (BP, pulse, pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedure Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Alternate schedules may be necessary to meet the needs of the organization.) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Preferred Experience: Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is not required, but highly desirable Five - seven years Dental Assisting experience in various specialties: Restorative, Endodontics, Periodontics, Removable and Fixed Prosthodontics, Orthodontics Experience with digital x-rays: FMXRs, Periapical, Panoramic Experience with electronic records Familiarity with IV/surgical procedures: Oral Surgery, Periodontal Surgery, Implant Surgery Customer Service oriented Commitment to VHA organization goals Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Standing (up to 4 hours); Repeated bending (up to 8 hours); Working closely with others."]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
