Job Details

SummaryThe Dental Assistant assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care with the ability to perform full range of duties with some independence in assigned specialties and clerical functions - with indirect supervision from the dentist or supervisor. Duties will be performed in the VA NCHCS facilities.QualificationsApplicants 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 RequirementsUnited States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA PolicyExperience 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)Experience/Education Combination - Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifyingCertification - Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75Essentially - 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 fieldProvisions for Certification of Radiologic Competence - (a) Successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board - IncOR 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 DentistryOR - (c) Successful completion of a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or OR (d) Successful completion of a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the Department of Defense (DoD)Physical Requirements - A pre-employment physical is required for the positionEnglish Language Proficiency - Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5aPreferred Experience: 1 Year Chairside experience preferred Grade Determinations: GS-6 Staff Dental Assistant (Full Performance Level)Experience - At least 1 year of experience [equivalent to] the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that levelIn addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs:Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities:1Ability to identify normal oral anatomy2Advanced knowledge of instruments - materials - and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative - surgical - endodontic and periodontal care and procedures3Ability to monitor and perform basic interpretation of vital signs4Ability to independently provide procedure-specific patient education and appropriate referral of patient concerns to treating dentist5Ability to capture standard and special dental images of good diagnostic quality in traditional or digital formats6Ability to perform maintenance on dental equipment used for routine and specialty dentistry7Ability to enter and retrieve data utilizing electronic dental records8Ability to perform dental assistant-appropriate laboratory proceduresReferences: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-06Physical Requirements: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit include - but are not limited to: Prepares the operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover - ensuring all needed equipment - materials - and supplies for planned dental procedure(s) are prepared prior to seating the patientPasses instruments safely - accurately - and efficientlyKeeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortablyPrepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructionsAccomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocolsAssists in routine general dental proceduresAssists in specialized dental procedures - such as oral surgery - endodontics - and periodonticsComplies with patient identification requirementsCompliant with meeting their role in the Medication Reconciliation ProcessCompliant with meeting their role in the Time-Out processCompliant with meeting their role in the IMED consent processCompliant with infection control protocols in all aspects of the care processFollows standard operating procedures for all reusable medical equipment (RME) in use in the dental clinical areaWork Schedule: Monday to Friday - 8:00 a.m4:30 p.mTelework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: 11041-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized#J-18808-Ljbffr