Dental Assistant

Summary

The Cincinnati VA Medical Center (CVAMC) is currently seeking Dental Assistants to join our team. Dental assistants at this level serve in dental assistant positions independently performing more complex work in assigned specialties while receiving general supervision. This is an open continuous announcement to fill multiple vacancies in the Dental Services Department. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available.

Qualifications

• 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
  • (2) Education — Successful completion of a 1‑year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental (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.
    • (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
    • (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).
    • Non‑certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements 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
  • 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.
• English Language Proficiency — Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 – section D – paragraph 5a – this part. May qualify based on 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‑6 – Dental Assistant (Full Performance Level)
  • (a) 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.
  • (b) Technical KSAs
    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.
    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.
  • Preferred Experience: Dental x‑ray certified, CPR certification, and Chairside Dental Assisting experience.
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit
• Physical Requirements — Long periods of standing, walking, sitting, and bending are required; pushing dental equipment and carts; climbing lifts; lifting patients from gurneys or wheelchairs into the dental chair for radiographs or dental examination and treatment; ability to perform dental assistant‑appropriate laboratory procedures.

Duties

• Dental Assistants perform assigned selected procedures.
• Some complex patient care procedures are performed under the direct or indirect supervision of more experienced dental assistants, independent dental care providers (dentists – dental specialists) or hygienists.
• Duties and responsibilities include but not limited to: Assists dentists, dental specialists, and/or hygienists in direct patient care and performs other clinical, laboratory, and clerical/administrative functions as assigned with direct or indirect supervision.
• Sets up the dental treatment area/surgical suite for planned dental/surgical treatment procedures prior and during patient care encounters.
• Cleans and disinfects treatment areas following patient care to facilitate timely treatment area turnover.
• Escorts patients from the waiting area to the treatment area at the beginning of an appointment and from the treatment area to the waiting area following an appointment as needed.
• Passes instruments safely, accurately and efficiently to facilitate safe‑efficient‑and‑effective patient care.
• Keeps the operative field clear of debris and retracts oral soft tissues effectively to facilitate comfortable patient care for respective patients.
• Stocks – cleans and disinfects the dental treatment area.
• Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
• Assists dental provider accomplish clinical exams, radiographic exams, and dental treatment in accordance with CDC and VISN 10 – Cincinnati VAMC facility and Dental Service infection control policies.
• Competent in four‑handed dentistry for general dental procedures.
• Competent to assist in specialty dental care (dental hygiene, periodontics, endodontics, prosthetics, implantology (surgery and restorative) and oral surgery).
• Competent in exposure of diagnostic quality standard and specialty radiographic images in traditional and/or digital formats.
• Performs disinfection of non‑critical items and environmental surfaces in accordance with CDC – VHA – VISN 10 – Cincinnati VA Medical Center facility and Dental Service policies.
• Performs other clerical/administrative tasks as may be assigned on an as needed basis.
• Competently pours impressions – prepares study models and trims study models to meet the needs of the provider(s).
• Fabricates custom impression trays to meet the needs of the provider(s) and fabricates bite rims to meet the needs of the provider(s).
• Performs other assigned laboratory duties as time and competency allows.
• Interacts with patients in accord with standards for age‑specific care including knowledge of changes associated with aging and principles of growth and development relevant to the adult and geriatric age groups.
• Competent in patient assessment and the interpretation of data about the patient's status in the dental treatment setting.
• Possess the ability to identify age‑specific needs and – under the direct supervision of the provider(s) – is able to provide appropriate care based on the age related factors noted.
• Works in a manner which demonstrates sensitivity to and accommodations for the special needs of all patients with respect to age‑developmental requirements and cultural diversity.
• Work Schedule: Compressed Tour: Monday‑Thursday – 6:30am‑4:00pm – Friday 6:30am‑3:00pm; every other Friday off; Compressed/Flexible – Available; Telework – Not Available; Virtual – This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #92637-0
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized; Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.