Dental Assistant

Summary

Dental Assistant will assist the Chief of Dental Service. The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. This position is located at Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center and is aligned under Dental Service. This position is at the full performance level.

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Duties

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Customer Service:

• Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public; Assists customers with questions or concerns.

Patient Care:

• Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure 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;
• 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 intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols; Monitors, and performs basic interpretation of, patient vital signs (BP, pulse, pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedure;
• Applies topical anesthetic at the injection site; Takes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication;
• Pours impressions and prepares study models;
• Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims;
• Removes plaque and soft debris from removable prostheses;
• Provides procedure-specific, patient-preventative education and oral hygiene instruction; Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education;
• Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant placement and restoration;
• Fabricates athletic mouth guards and bleaching trays;
• Performs other dental laboratory functions as needed;
• Maintains both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental-service standards;
• Relays patient concerns to treating dentist.

Dental Imaging:

• Possesses ability to identify normal anatomy;
• Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. TMJ, cephalometric, cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formats;
• Modifies settings to achieve the images as requested by the provider; Captures images characterized by diagnostic quality and accurately
• Utilizes dental-imaging safety techniques and retakes are minimized; Accomplishes imaging requests within 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 SPS for sterilization; Follows all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment; Demonstrates proper infection-control procedures in exposing images.

Clerical Functions:

• Assists in filling gaps in the 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 HIPAA 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 The 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 training sessions.

Supervisory Controls:

• Work is assigned by the supervising dentist, Lead Dental Assistant or Supervisory Dental Assistant. The characteristics of dental procedures and the operation of new equipment are taught through formal or informal training sessions. The dental assistant plans and completes tasks based on established protocols/accepted dental practices. A dentist is available for professional guidance when required.

Computer Security:

• Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, Federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy; Protects data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion; Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc.; Enters and retrieves data utilizing electronic dental records; Uses word processing software to execute several office-automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files, activating printers, inserting and deleting text, formatting letters, reports, and memoranda, and transmitting and receiving e-mail;

Work Schedule : Monday- Friday, 7:00-3:30pm

Telework : Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Physical Requirements . See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Qualifications

Grade Determinations : In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.)

b. 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 2 education are qualifying.

c. 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).

GS-0681-6 : Staff Dental Assistant. The full performance level of this vacancy is Staff Dental Assistant GS-06.

EXPERIENCE:

At least 1 year of experience [equivalent to] the next lower grade level (GS-5) 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. 8. Ability to perform dental assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures.

CONSIDERATION MAY BE GIVEN TO APPLICANTS WITH LESS THAT ONE YEAR'S EXPERIENCE OR WHO ARE RECENT GRADUATES OF A DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM IF ALL OTHER REQUIREMENTS ARE MET.

Assignment . Employee serves at the full performance level with the ability to perform full range of duties with some independence in assigned specialties, with indirect supervision from the lead dental assistant, dental assistant supervisor or treating dentist. Assignments at this level include, but are not limited to: using the concepts of four-handed dentistry; assists with specialty procedures including oral surgery, periodontal therapy, endodontic, 7 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.

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.

Preferred Experience: Dental assistant training, education, and/or experience preferred..

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit

Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain licensure/certification/registration within the required time frame, or who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification/registration must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.

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.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit:

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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