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Veterans Health Administration is Hiring a Lead Dental Assistant Near Oklahoma, OK

Qualifications:

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.

Basic Requirements:

United States Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. 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.

Education and/or Experience:

• Experience. Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work, or provides familiarity with the work. OR,
• Education. Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). (Must attach supporting document to application showing completion) OR,
• Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying.

Certification. Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75.

• Provisions for Certification of Radiologic Competence
  • Successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting 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 (DoD).
• Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable.
• 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 required.
• Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain licensure/certification/registration within the required time frame, or who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification/registration must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.

Grandfathering Provision. 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).

Grade Determinations:

Lead Dental Assistant, GS-7

• Experience: At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. Resume must include hours per week for work experience credit.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate in their resume the following KSAs:

1. Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice, and demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants.
2. Skill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignments.
3. Ability to assist in dental program development, outcome management, and strategic planning.
4. Skill in acting as liaison between staff dental assistants and the supervisor.
5. Ability to provide professional oversight and consultation for staff dental assistants.

Preferred Experience:

• Enjoys working with adults and elderly population
• Proficient in impression making
• Experience in oral surgical procedures
• Excellent operative and prosthodontic assisting skills
• Dental experience within the last 5 years is preferred

References: VA Handbook 5005/46, Part II Appendix G36, Dental Assistant Qualification Standard.

This vacancy is currently being announced as a GS-7, which is above the full performance level.

Physical Requirements: Long periods of standing and walking are required as well as considerable bending and stooping. Often, the assistant must assist patients from wheelchairs. (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services).

Responsibilities:

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Works with the supervisor or Dental Service Chief to monitor and make work assignments, provide input on performance, resolve daily workplace issues, and maintain efficient flow of patient care. May approve brief periods of leave, provide training to staff dental assistants, students and/or trainees; may recommend special advancements and promotions, disciplinary actions, etc.
• Serves in staff dental assistant positions independently performing more complex work in assigned specialties. Must maintain current Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification.
• Assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and preforms other clinical and clerical functions independent of direct supervision. The dental assistant receives and prepares patients for dental treatment and assists the dentist at chairside, bedside or in the operating room.

Lead duties:

• Leads a team of employees performing at the GS-7 level or below. Provides guidance and technical direction necessary for accomplishing the work of the team.
• Provides input in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for dental staff for Reusable Medical Equipment. Trains dental staff in SOP's and reports noncompliance to supervisor.
• Serves as a liaison between the scheduler and the dentist to maintain efficient and productive use of the dentists' patient care time and minimize missed opportunities.
• Makes written instructions, reference materials, and relevant background material available. Obtains needed information on decisions from the supervisor on major issues and problems that arise.
• Reports to the supervisor on individual performance, progress, and training needs of employees, and on performance problems.
• Makes recommendations to supervisor as requested concerning promotions, reassignments, recognitions of performance and personal needs.
• Maintains the dental station and treatment area in a clean and operational condition. Assures that the dental treatment area is set up and shut down each workday to maintain security of the clinic area and dental equipment. Delegates these duties as necessary.
• Monitors function of dental equipment and requests repair or replacement. Prepares electronic work orders and monitors completion.

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.

Chairside Assisting:

• Sets up operatory and/or surgery suites for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover.
• Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably.
• Assists in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistry.
• Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant placement and restoration.

Dental Imaging:

• Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. TMJ, ceph, cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formats.
• Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed.
• Shares comprehensive working knowledge of imaging techniques and provides instruction to others.

Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization:

• Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operations.
• Disinfects oral appliance to prevent cross contamination.
• Properly prepares instruments for transfer to SPD for sterilization.
• Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images.

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 Joint Commission requirements.
• Monitors patient condition during treatment being alert for signs of physical distress.

Dental Laboratory Functions:

• Pours impressions and prepares study models.
• Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bit rims.
• Fabricates athletic mouth guards and bleaching trays.
• Preforms other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow.

Direct Patient Care:

• Monitors patient vital signs (BP pulse, pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedure.
• Applies topical anesthetic at the injection site.
• Applies topical fluoride.
• Makes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication.
• Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 53107-0
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

Job Summary