Duties

FUNCTIONS:

• Receive and appoint patients, as directed by dentist, exposure intra- and extra-oral radiographs, record medical history, exam and treatment plan information relayed by the dentist. Maintain a variety of reports relating to dental activities and daily enter upcoming appointments in the VISTA computer system.
• Maintains dental equipment and materials in a clean and operative condition and properly stores and maintains adequate levels of supplies in the treatment rooms. If at any time the incumbent notices any supplies running low, or nearing expiration, he/she should immediately notify the responsible person so that supplies can be reordered. Properly lays out all instruments and materials needed for each treatment procedure and prepares the patient and operatory for said procedures, strictly adhering to all pertinent infection controls policies and procedures.
• Assists dentists, consultants, and dental residents of our affiliated training programs at chairside in all phases of general dentistry including specialized areas of prosthodontics (fixed and removable), endodontics, periodontics and oral surgery procedures utilizing techniques of four handed sit down dentistry where indicated and appropriate. When oral surgical procedures are being performed, the incumbent assists the general dentist, dental specialist, dental resident or consultant specialist while the patients are under local anesthesia in operations which include: simple and complex extractions including full and partial bony impactions; reductions of tori, periodontal surgeries and excisional biopsies. Also assist dental specialists in prosthodontics in the fitting and placing of prosthodontic devices for routine cases and for specialty level cases involving extensive injury to the oral cavity, congenital abnormalities of the jaw and deformities of the jaw as a result of therapeutic surgical treatment. Anticipating the operator's need at each stage of the procedures, performs the following; Passes instruments and materials to and retrieves them from the dentists; illuminates field of operation; retracts and stabilizes tissues; keeps field of operation free of debris using irrigating solutions, suctions tips and evacuator; cuts sutures; observes patient for signs of adverse reaction to treatment.
• Following surgery, debrides the surgical site, prepares surgical dressings, and removes contaminated instruments and materials and decontaminates, prepares and packages instruments for proper sterilization by SPS following current infection control procedures.
• Packages tissue specimen and routes to pathology laboratory. Also helps apply rubber dam and place cotton rolls to isolate operative site during restorative treatment.
• Takes preliminary impressions for study models, mixes various types of dental materials for stone models from impressions and performs other minor types of dental laboratory procedures to assist dentists prosthodontically.
• Provides patient education in areas of preventive dental care, measures general nutrition as related to dental health, the common cause of tooth decay and periodontal disease, and the care of prosthodontic appliances. Also relays post-surgical instructions from dentists for all types of post-surgical and post treatment care.
• Performs any other procedures in line with established dental assisting techniques, and all other technical and clerical duties as assigned.
• Safeguards privacy data/sensitive policy making data against unauthorized disclosure. Safeguards user access codes from unauthorized disclosure and use. Notifies Information Security Officer or designated alternate upon disclosure or suspected disclosure of sensitive data by others.
• Maintains knowledge of Dental Service Infection Control Policy, Maintains current BLS-C Certification of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); maintains proficiency in medical center code blue procedures.
• In the provision of care to patients from the young adult to the old age categories, the employee recognizes the age-related needs of the patient and demonstrates knowledge and care appropriate to that age group. The employee considers the cognitive, physical, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the patients, demonstrates competence and correctly provides age-relate care.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• 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
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• 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)
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Benefits

  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • 10-2850c APPLICATION FOR ASSOCIATED HEALTH OCCUPATIONS
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume

  The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
  

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • 10-2850c APPLICATION FOR ASSOCIATED HEALTH OCCUPATIONS
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

  Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

  All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/12/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12278123.

  • To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

  • Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

  NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
  To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

  Agency contact information

  James Brinson

  Email

  James.Brinson2@va.gov

  Address

  Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center
  3701 Loop Road East
  Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
  US

  Next steps

  Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
  You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
  NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Clarification from the agency

Announcement is open to current, permanent VHA employee's, Other Federal employee's and open to the Public.