Lead Dental Assistant
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration - Fredericksburg, VA
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Summary The position of Lead Dental Assistant will be located at the Fredericksburg Health Care Center (FxHCC). The incumbent works with the supervisor or lead dentist to monitor and make work assignments, provide input on performance, resolve daily workplace issues, and maintain efficient flow of patient care. The incumbent must also maintain Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification. Responsibilities Major Duties include but not limited to the following: Lead: Coordinates clinical workflow/assignments and provides guidance using advanced knowledge of dental-assisting principles across multiple areas of practice; Assists in dental program development, outcome management, and strategic planning; Acts as liaison between dental assisting staff and supervisor; Provides guidance to other assistants in achieving quality radiographs, etc. Other Higher-Level/Clinical: Performs mouth mirror inspection of the oral cavity; Gathers diagnostic information; Performs pulp vitality testing; Charts existing restoration and conditions; Selects shades for fixed and removable prostheses; Places and removes rubber dams and matrix bands, etc. Customer Service: Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public; Assists customers with questions or concerns. Chairside Assisting: Sets up operatory, bedside and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover; Possesses advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative, surgical, endodontic and periodontal care; Monitors, and performs basic interpretation of, patient vital signs, etc. Dental Imaging: Possesses comprehensive knowledge of advanced imaging techniques in order to provide instruction (i.e. cone beam, cephalometric, advance panoramic imaging, TMJ, etc.); Possesses ability to identify anatomy; Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging in traditional and/or digital formats; Modifies settings to achieve the images as requested by the provider, etc. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization: Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories; Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination; Properly prepares instruments for transfer to SPS for sterilization. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am- 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: N/A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. 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 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: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. VA Handbook 5005, Chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g. English Language Proficiency. Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a. Experience 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), OR, (3) 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. 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. 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 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 FOR ALL POSITIONS ABOVE THE FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL (GS-7 AND ABOVE). Grade Determinations: GS-7 Lead Dental Assistant Experience. At least one (1) year of experience at the next lower grade (GS-6) level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- a) Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice, and demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants. b) Skill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignments. c) Ability to assist in dental program development, outcome management, and strategic planning. d) Skill in acting as liaison between staff dental assistants and the supervisor. e) Ability to provide professional oversight and consultation for staff dental assistants. Assignment. The Lead Dental Assistant works with the supervisor or Chief Dental Service 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. Reference: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G36, Dental Assistant Qualification Standard. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: Long periods of standing, walking, sitting, and bending are required. Pushing Dental equipment and carts is necessary to deliver items to and from the operatory or procedure site. Pushing and/or lifting of patients from gurneys and/or wheelchairs from and to the waiting area and transferring them into and out of the dental chair is required to position for radiographs, dental examination, and treatment. Reaching above shoulders, use of fingers, and both hands are required. Full dexterity of both hands, arms, and wrist. Must be able to treat patients while sitting and/or standing for long periods of time. Must have the ability to distinguish basic colors. This job requires good hand-eye coordination and the ability to evaluate and make good decisions. Must be able to multitask and have the ability the work independently. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: Additional Information During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Created: 2024-09-23