Dental Assistant

Summary Dental Assistant will assist the Chief of Dental Service as time pennits in various clinical improvements. The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and perfonns other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. Responsibilities FUNCTIONS: A. Customer Service Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery B Chairside Assisting 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 Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols Assists in routine general dental procedures Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, and periodontics C. Dental Imaging 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 D. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images E. Clerical Functions Assists patients in scheduling appointments Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records F. Information Management Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information Follows computer security regulations G. Patient Safety Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position) Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients Participates in patient identification and time out per JCAHO requirements Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress H. Employee Education Complies with Employee Education requirements Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions I. Dental Laboratory Functions Pours impressions and prepares study models Performs dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow J. Direct Patient Care Suture Removal Impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication Re-cement and fabricate temporary crowns. Coronal polishing of teeth Place rubber dams and matrix bands Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: Work is assigned by the treating dentist. The characteristics of dental procedures and the operation of new equipment are taught informally and through formal training sessions. The dental assistant plans and completes tasks based on established protocols/accepted dental practices. A dentist is available for professional guidance when required. The dental assistant informs the treating dentist of problems or unusual situations with recommendations for appropriate action. The dental assistant's work is reviewed on an overall basis by the supervisor for conformity to Dental Service policy and requirements. CUSTOMER SERVICES: Relationships with management, co-workers, patients, and the general public are consistently courteous respectful, and cooperative in nature. Employee will display a cooperative attitude and will effectively work together to implement the organization's mission and goals. Employee will ensure productivity is maintained at the established level POPULATION-SPECIFIC CRITERIA: Age-specific care, as identified in the Age-Specific Competencies Checklist), including knowledge of changes associated with aging and principles of growth and development relevant to the adult and geriatric age groups; ability to assess and interpret data about the patient's status; and ability to identify age-specific needs and provide the appropriate care based upon the age related factors noted. COMPUTER SECURITY Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, Federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy. Protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion. Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc. Work Schedule: 7:30am-4:00pm Requirements Conditions of Employment All qualified candidates encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications GS-0681-6: 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the [following] 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 and procedures. 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] Education EDUCATION: Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on [Dental] Accreditation [(CODA)]. 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. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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.