RDA/DENTAL ASSISTANCE

Summary The VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System is recruiting for a Dental Assistant at the Rochester Calkins VA Clinic. The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care, performs a wide range of intra-oral dental procedures, supports the dental laboratory as needed, and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. Performs a wide range of intra-oral dental procedures associated with various phases of restorative, prosthetic, periodontal, endodontic, oral surgery, implant placement and restoration procedures and provides chairside assistance, fully anticipating the dentist's needs for all instruments, materials, and services using four-handed techniques. Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover 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 intraoperative procedures within standard infection control protocols Takes preliminary impressions for study models, modifying impression tray as needed. Performs skilled techniques to place temporary crowns and bridges, ensuring they fit each patient's dental anatomy. Possesses knowledge of dental anatomy, related oral anatomy, the technical methods and practices of dentistry, and the working characteristics of dental instruments and materials sufficient to perform a wide variety of intraoral procedures, including restoration, of teeth prepared by dentists and adapting and seating stainless steel crowns. Possesses knowledge of and ability to recognize common dental disorders and conditions such as tooth decay and inflamed tissue sufficient to perform intraoral procedures which treat these conditions, under general supervision of a staff dentist. Dental Imaging Operates dental Xray equipment for intra and extra oral radiographs. Customer service Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, coworkers and the public. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization: Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories. Clerical Functions: Assists patients in scheduling appointments, makes appointments, and handles telephone calls. Records information related to the Medical and Dental history as relayed by the dentist or patient Information Management: Instruct patients in preventive dental care measures, general nutrition as related to dental health, the common causes of tooth decay, and the care of prosthodontic appliances, provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education. Dental Laboratory Functions: Performs other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow. Supply Functions Responsible for communicating with logistics to manage inventory of items supporting the Dental clinic. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Has knowledge of OSHA policies of Safe Work Practices including the hazard Communication Program, Blood Borne Pathogens Standards, Medical Waste Management, Fire and other Emergency Evacuation procedures. Other duties as assigned Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Recruitment or Relocation incentive may be paid to a Highly Qualified candidate. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). 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 (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.Failure to obtain certification during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. 4) 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.] Employees at this level serve in dental assistant career development positions. It is expected that they receive guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patient issues, and require daily close supervision. 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). Basic knowledge of infection control and safe instrument handling. Basic knowledge of dental procedures and [medical emergencies. Basic knowledge of maintenance, care and storage of dental equipment. OR (2) Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study that included or was supplemented by completion of a dental assistant program by CODA. (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. GS-6 Staff Dental Assistant (Full Performance Level) (a) Experience. Advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative, surgical, endodontic and periodontal care and procedures. 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: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit for 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. 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. 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.