Dental Assistant

New Orleans, Louisiana, Louisiana, The Dental Assistant performs the full range of duties for routine patient care and performs some complex patient procedures under the general supervision of more experienced dental assistants or a dental supervisor. 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. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U. S. C. § 7403(f). Experience and Education: 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). 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. 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 a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the Department of Defense (DoD). 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 the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. ; OR Exception: Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification of radiologic competence may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate dental assistant under the authority of 38 U. S. C.

§ 7405 (a) (1) (D). Failure to obtain certification during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. This will result in removal from the GS-681 series and may result in termination of employment. Grade Determinations: GS-06: At least 1 year of experience equivalent to 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 to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. Preferred Experience: Expanded Duty Dental Assistance Certificate preferred. References: VA Handbook 5005/46, Part II, Appendix G36, Dental Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: Light Lifting (under 15 lbs); light carrying (under 15 lbs); pushing (up to 3 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 4 hours); standing (3 – 4 hours); kneeling (up to 2 hours), both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; depth perception, 20/40 vision in each eye with or without correction; must be able to hear low pitch; ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Mental and emotional stability required. This position requires some exposure to blood borne pathogens, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials.

Environmental Factors: Constant noise, dust, solvents (degreasing agents), radiant energy, electrical energy, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working around machinery with moving parts, working around moving objects or vehicles, working with hands in water, vibration, working closely with others. [“The duties of the Dental Assistant in Dental Service include but are not limited to: Using the concepts of four-handed dentistry; assists with specialty procedures including oral surgery, periodontal therapy, endodontic, prosthodontics and implant placement and restoration; Anticipates surgeons/specialists needs at each stage of treatment; Takes preliminary impression; selects and manipulates a variety of gypsums and waxes; pours, trims, and evaluate the quality of diagnostic casts; fabricates custom trays. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories ; Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records; Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients Participates in patient identification and time out per JCAFIO requirements; Removes temporary crown/bridge and clean tooth preparation of debris; Provide post-operative and other appropriate patient education; Performs Dental imaging, characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed; Utilizes Dental imaging safety techniques and retakes are minimized; Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i. e. TMJ, ceph, cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formats; Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information. Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:0629-00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required”]

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