Dental Assistant

This Dental Assistant position is located at the Orlando VA Healthcare System. The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. 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 . MRTs (Coder) must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Experience and Education-Documentation Submitted (if applicable) 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 - Documentation Submitted (if applicable 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.] 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 GS-3 Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 Experience or Education. In addition to the basic requirements, 1 year of experience at the next lower level, OR 2 years of education above high school that included completion of a dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on [Dental] Accreditation [(CODA)]. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Basic knowledge of infection control and safe instrument handling. Basic knowledge of dental procedures and [medical emergencies. Ability to perform basic radiographic image capture and processing/retrieval. Basic knowledge of maintenance, care and storage of dental equipment. Basic knowledge of patient privacy requirements. GS-5 Experience or Education. In addition to the requirements listed at GS-4 above, applicants must demonstrate at least 1 year of experience equivalent to at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. OR, Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study that included or was supplemented by completion of a dental assistant program by CODA. In addition to meeting paragraph (1) or (2) above, the applicant must demonstrate the following KSA's: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Knowledge of anatomy and ability to evaluate diagnostic quality.2. Broad knowledge of common medical emergencies and vital signs measurement.3. Basic knowledge of instruments, materials and standardized dental procedures.4. Ability to learn and utilize software programs used within VHA.5. Basic communication skills to provide patient instructions according to established protocol. GS-6 Experience. At least 1 year of experience [equivalent to] the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 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: Physical Requirements: The incumbent must possess the capability to manage various physical demands on a daily basis. This includes prolonged periods of standing, which can extend up to 5 hours per procedure, as well as walking, bending, and sitting, with the frequent need to move between examination rooms and other areas within the facility. High levels of manual dexterity and coordination are essential for performing precise tasks such as assisting with dental procedures, handling instruments, and executing detailed work within the oral cavity. The ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds, including dental equipment and supplies, is required. The dental assistant must also be proficient in navigating tight spaces and small work areas, frequently changing positions to support the dentist and access equipment and supplies as necessary. Adequate visual acuity is necessary for reading small print on labels and charts and for assisting with procedures that demand precision and attention to detail. Additionally, auditory acuity is vital for understanding verbal instructions and communications in a clinical environment with potential background noise. Effective verbal communication skills are crucial for patient interaction, providing clear instructions, and coordinating with other dental staff members. This role requires an individual who can adeptly manage these physical challenges while maintaining a high standard of patient care and attention to detail. #J-18808-Ljbffr