Dental Assistant

Fayetteville, North Carolina, North Carolina, The Dental Assistant performs duties necessary to assist the dentists in many aspects of direct patient care and perform other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. This includes a wide range more complex work in the dental disciplines or restorative, endodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, implatyology and oral surgery. Basic Requirements: Must be proficient in written and spoken English. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Experience/Education: Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to perform the work or provides familiarity with the work. OR, 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: (a) Successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. ; OR, (b) 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, (c) 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. For this position, it is preferred but not required. 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 Dental Assistant 1. Experience: At least 1 year of experience [equivalent to] the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the [following] technical KSAs: 2.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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: Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G36 Physical Requirements: Tasks require long periods of bending, standing, walking, and reaching at odd angles.

Must frequently carry heavy instruments, or packages of dental materials and supplies. [“Major Duties and Responsibilities: Dental assistants at this level serve in staff dental assistant positions independently performing more complex work in the dental assistant positions independently performing more complex work in the dental disciplines of restorative, endodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, implantology, and oral surgery while receiving general administrative supervision. Assignments include advanced use of the computerized dental patient records system to include initiating patient consults, storing and viewing images, entry of diagnostic data and setting up for treatment planning presentation. The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently or direct supervision. At least 25% of their time is spent assisting in dental specialty procedures. 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 for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably. Prepares dental medications and impression materials per manufacturers’ instructions.

Assists in routine general dental procedures and in specialized dental procedures such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics. Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, and surgical procedures. Dental Imaging-Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized and retakes are minimized. Demonstrated proper infection control procedures in exposing images. Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed. Demonstrates proper procedure for importing and exporting digital radiographs. Imaging request are accomplished within the desired time frame. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization-Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories. Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards. Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care.

Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images. Clerical Functions- Assists patients in scheduling appointments and accurately informing administrative staff of given appointments. Assist 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 electronic medical records. Information Management- Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information. Follows computer security regulations. Patient Safety- Participates in patient identification and time out per JCAHO requirements. Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. Modifies care as necessitated by patient’s age and abilities (patient transfer and position). Provides accurate and understandable instructions.

Monitors patient (BP, pulse EKG, pulse oximeter), and condition during moderate sedation and during recovery period following procedure. Employee Education-Complies with Employee Education requirements. Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions. Dental Laboratory Functions- Pours impressions and prepares study casts. Performs other simple laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow, including fabrication of templates and custom trays. Direct Patient Care- Remove sutures and removal of periodontal surgical dressing. Takes impressions for diagnostics casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication. Remove temporary crown/bridge and clean tooth preparation of debris. Replacement and fabricate temporary crowns. Provides post-operative instructions and other appropriate patient education.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Compressed/Flexible: Available 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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