Dental Assistant

Charleston, South Carolina, South Carolina, This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT & will remain open until September 30, 2023. Eligible applications received will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on a as-needed basis until all positions are filled. NOTE: A recruitment/relocation incentive is being offered for this position and announcement will remain open until no longer needed but no later than September 30, 2023. 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. English Language Proficiency. Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 Part II chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a. 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-06: Experience: 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5) that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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: While not a requirement for consideration or selection, applicants with the following preferred education/experience are highly desirable. The supporting application must clearly identify the preferred experience, if applicable. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G36- Dental Assistant Qualification Standard, dated 04/19/2011. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: The position requires heavy lifting of 45·pounds and over, intermittently pushing for up to 8 hours, intermittently, reaching above the shoulders for 8 hours, intermittently, both hands required, walking 8 hours, intermittently, standing 8 hours intermittently, repeated bending for 8 hours, intermittently, and use of both legs and arms for 8 hours, intermittently, both legs required, near vision at 13 to 16″ Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other eye, both eyes required, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing aid permitted. Must be an individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. [“The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions under direct supervision. Function or Scope of assigned Duties include but are not limited to: Customer Service: Shows courtesy, respect and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public. Provide assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provide service recovery. Chairside Assisting: Set up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Pass instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Keep operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably. Dental Imaging: Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed.

Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized and retakes are minimized Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization: Demonstrate proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories. Clerical Functions: Assist patients in scheduling appointments. Assist in filling gaps in the doctor’s schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments. Information Management: Maintain patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information. Follow computer security regulations. Patient Safety: Modifies care as necessitated by patient’s age and abilities (patient transfer and position). Provide accurate and understandable instructions to patients. Employee Education: Complies with Employee Education requirements. Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions. Dental Laboratory Functions: Coordination of Dental Laboratory cases with the doctor and the laboratory technician.

Direct Patient Care: Provide post-operative and another appropriate patient education. Four-Handed dental procedures, assisting the dentist. Work directly supporting the GS-7 expanded dental assistants and Hygienist during patient care. Chairside assistant to all specialty providers. Clean & Polish or dental appliances/prosthetics. Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 6:30am to 3:00pm; Will be required to work other shifts, be on call, work weekends and/or holidays as patient care and needs of the service require. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Dental Assistant/PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required”]

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