Dental Assistant

Prescott, Arizona, Arizona, The incumbent will serve as part of the Dental Service with the VA Prescott, AZ Healthcare System. The dental assistant serves as a supporting member of the dental care team performing a full range of duties with some independence in assigned specialties, with indirect supervision from the lead dental assistant or treating dentist. She/he complies with guidelines and policies set forth by the Dental Service, the VA Prescott, AZ Healthcare System, VHA policy, and VA statutes and policy. 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: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. Experience and Education. Applicant must have six months experience that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to perform the work, or provides familiarity with the work. OR Have a successfully completed a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). OR Have equivalent combinations of experience and education.

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. Applicants must have one of the following: 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). 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: GS-6 Experience: Applicants must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. In addition to the experience 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. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G36 – Dental Assistant Qualification Standard. Physical Requirements: Long periods of standing, walking, sitting, and bending are required. Pushing dental equipment and carts are necessary to deliver items to the operatory or procedure site.

It is necessary to climb onto lifts to retrieve or store supplies, or to help the dentist carry out a surgical or dental procedure. Lifting of patients from gurneys or wheelchairs into the dental chair is required to position them for radiographs or dental examination and treatment. [“Major duties include, but are not limited to: Perform routine and specialty dental care. Assists in complex procedures in specialty dentistry under general supervision. Demonstrate extensive knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures in the specialty areas of oral surgery, endodontics, and implant dentistry Assist the Dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. Provide assistance to customers regarding any questions or concerns, providing service recovery as needed. 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.

Accomplish all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols. Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, and dental implants. Prepares for and assists in Operating Room when necessary, observing Operating Room protocols. Dental Imaging – Images are characterized by diagnostic quality accurately oriented and exposed. Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized. Complete Imaging requests within the desired time frame. Use proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories. Assists patients in scheduling appointments in compliance with scheduling processes and procedures. 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.

Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required”]

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