Dental Assistant

Columbia, Missouri, Missouri, The Dental Assistant position within Dental Service located at the Truman VA Columbia, MO. The Dental Assistant will assist dentists in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. 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. 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). (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. (1) 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). (2) 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. (3) Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable. (4) 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 not required, but highly desirable for the appointment of Dental Assistants up to and including the full performance level GS-6, and is required for all positions above the full performance level. (5) 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. (6) English Language Proficiency. Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.

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-3: Experience or Education: (None beyond the above basic requirements): GS-4: (a) Experience or Education. In addition to the basic requirements, 1 year of experience at the next lower level, OR 2 years of education above high school that included completion of a dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following GS-4 KSAs: 1. Basic knowledge of infection control and safe instrument handling. 2. Basic knowledge of dental procedures and [medical emergencies. 3. Ability to perform basic radiographic image capture and processing/retrieval. 4.

Basic knowledge of maintenance, care and storage of dental equipment. 5. Basic knowledge of patient privacy requirements. GS-5: (a) Experience or Education (1) In addition to the requirements listed at GS-4 above, applicants must demonstrate] at least 1 year of experience equivalent to at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. (2) Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study that included or was supplemented by completion of a dental assistant program by CODA. (3) In addition to meeting paragraph (1) or (2) above, the applicant must demonstrate the following. GS-5 KSA’s: 1. Knowledge of anatomy and [ability to evaluate diagnostic quality. 2. Broad knowledge of common medical emergencies and vital signs measurement.

3. Basic] knowledge of instruments, materials and standardized dental procedures. 4. Ability to learn and utilize software programs used within VHA. 5. Basic communication skills to provide patient instructions according to established protocol. GS-6 (Full Performance Level): (a) 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. GS-6 KSAs: 1.

Ability to identify normal oral anatomy. 2. Advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative, surgical, endodontic and periodontal care and procedures. 3. Ability to monitor and perform basic interpretation of vital signs. 4. Ability to independently provide procedure-specific patient education and appropriate referral of patient concerns to treating dentist. 5. Ability to capture standard and special dental images of good diagnostic quality in traditional or digital formats. 6.

Ability to perform maintenance on dental equipment used for routine and specialty dentistry. 7. Ability to enter and retrieve data utilizing electronic dental records. 8. Ability to perform dental assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures. Preferred Experience: 3 years Dental Assistant experience and Board Certified by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Knowledge of hospital-based oral surgery patient management protocols. Knowledge of and ability to manage medically compromised patients. Ability to supervise and manage the day-to-day activities of a dental clinic as a front desk person in the clinic. References: VA HANDBOOK, 5005/46, PART II, APPENDIX G36, DENTAL ASSISTANT QUALIFICATION STANDARD, GS-0681 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: Dental assistants frequently use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls; repeat the same movements; stand and sit throughout the day; bend or twist their body. It is important for dental assistants to be able to see details of objects that are less than a few feet away; use fingers or hands to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects; hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm; speak clearly so listeners can understand; understand the speech of another person; make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls; see differences between colors, shades, and brightness; move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place. [“Duties include, but not limited to: 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. Chair Side Assisting Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite 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. Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols. Assists in routine general dental procedures. Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, implants and surgical periodontics.

Dental Imaging Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed. Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized. Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame. Knowledge and proper use of digital radiographs. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up after procedures. Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPS standards. Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in dental images. Clerical Functions Assists patients in scheduling appointments and in arranging for non-VA care. Assists in filling gaps in the doctor’s schedule due to late cancelations and failed appointments.

Assists dentist in charting and findings treatment plans in patient computerized record keeping system. Coordinates and schedules the completion of dental prosthetic procedures on behalf of patients with the dental laboratory. Assists with clinic-related administrative and monitoring functions in the day-to-day operation of the dental clinic. Work Schedule: M-F 7:30am to 4:00pm Compressed/Flexible: Not 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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