Current, permanent VA employees or Federal employees from another agency should apply under CBST-11859323-23-AK. The Lead Dental Assistant performs a higher level, scope, complexity, and variety of dental assisting duties representing the clinical assignment and applies advanced clinical skills. Performs the full range of duties for routine patient care with indirect supervision from the supervisory dental assistant or the treating dentist. 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 to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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). 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. Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable. 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. Grade Determinations: Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant, GS-7 Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level or equivalent that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition, 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 a liaison between staff dental assistants and the supervisor. - Ability to provide professional oversight and consultation for staff dental assistants. Preferred Experience: None. References: VA Handbook 5005/46, Part II Appendix G36, Dental Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 pounds), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, walking, standing, repeated bending, both legs required, both eyes required, depth perception (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services). ["This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until June 30, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be March 28, 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. The duties of the Lead Dental Assistant in the Dental Service include but not limited to: Expanded function duties: Performs mouth mirror inspection of the oral cavity Gathers diagnostic information Performs pulp vitality testing Charts existing restoration and conditions Selects shade for fixed and removable prostheses Places and removes rubber dams and matrix bands Places and removes retraction cord Places and removes intra-coronal temporary restoration Removes temporary crown/bridge and clean tooth preparation of debris Customer Service Shows courtesy, respect, and positive attitude for patients, co-workers, and the public Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery Chairside Assisting Sets up operatory for the planned procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover Properly lays out all instruments and materials needed for each procedure and prepares the patient and operatory for said procedures, strictly adhering to all pertinent infection control policies and procedures Assists providers in oral surgery dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistry Assists providers in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, assisting in moderate sedation and implant placement Passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently Clinical Support Properly stores and maintains adequate levels of supplies in assigned room and operatories Ensure instruments and unapproved items are not left in operatory during non-patient care hours Responsible for timely proper handling of biologic and non-biologic materials and entering information upon receipt and usage into Tracking System for purpose of tracking and supply monitoring. Follows all SOPs for Reusable Medical Devices (RMD). Dental Imaging Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e., TMJ, cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formats Modifies settings to achieve the images as requested by the provider 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 Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination Properly prepares instruments for transfer to SPD for sterilization Follows all Standard Operation Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment Works closely with SPS to ensure availability of instruments so that clinical care is not delayed Clerical Functions Assists in filling gaps in doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments Initiates computerized progress note Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records Information Management Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPPAA with written and verbal information Follows computer security regulations Patient Safety Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position) Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients Participates in patient identification and time out per Joint Commission requirements Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress Employee Education Complies with Employee Education requirements Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions Dental Laboratory Functions Pours impressions and prepares study models Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims Fabricates athletic mouth guards and bleaching trays Performs other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow Direct Patient Care Monitors patient vital signs (BP, pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedure Applies topical anesthetic at injection site Applies topical fluoride Makes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication Removes plaque and soft debris from removable prostheses Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm 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 Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
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.
