Dental Assistant

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.

01Basic 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: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English Experience and Education: Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work; OR successful completion of a 1-year dental program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA); OR Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying.

02Certification

Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CRF 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.

This can include any of the following: Successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assistant 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.

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).

03Grade Determinations

GS-06 Staff Dental Assistant (Full Performance Level): At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs at the GS-6 level: 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.

04Preferred Experience

We are seeking a skilled, reliable and patient-centered Dental Assisant with demonstrated experience to support our clinic's day-to-day operative, periodontal, oral surgery and endodontic procedures. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06.

05Physical Requirements

You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Duties of the Staff Dental Assistant include but are not limited to the following: Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public. Assists patients with questions and concerns. Sets up operatory 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. Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed. Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized. Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame. Provides patient education appropriate to the veteran's needs and oral conditions. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures when providing services.

Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards. Provides oral hygiene instructions and general information to patients. Prepares instruments and materials needed for operating room procedures, and assists in oralsurgery in the operating room, following proper O.R. protocol. Answers telephone, and schedules patients as needed. Assists the Periodontist, Oral Surgeon, and Endodontist.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, the tour of duty may be selected upon hire and must occur between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

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. Parental Leave: 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. Functional Statement #: 006288F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional