Dental Assistant

Greenville, South Carolina, South Carolina, Dental assistants at this level serve in staff dental assistant positions independently performing more complex work in assigned specialties while receiving general administrative supervision. The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. 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: 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 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 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). 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. 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 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-6 (Full Performance Level) Experience: At least one (1) year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-05) that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to meeting the requirements for the GS-6 level, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G36 dated April 19, 2011. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs. and over); Light Carrying (15-44 lbs. ); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 4 hours); Standing (up to 4 hours); Both legs required; 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. [“This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. This announcement will remain open until June 29, 2023 (or when positions filled). The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be April 7, 2023. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals, or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions filled. Duties include, but are not limited to: Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedures 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. Assists in routine general dental procedures as well as specialized dental procedures such as oral & maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, and surgical periodontics. Conducts dental imaging.

Prepares instruments for sterilization by SPD standards and does not delay clinical care. Follows infection control procedures. Schedule appointments. Charts findings and treatment plans in patient records. Pours impressions and prepares study models. Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients. Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bit rims. Removes sutures and removal of periodontal surgical dressing. Remove temporary crown/bridge and clean tooth preparation of debris. Re-cement and fabricate temporary crowns.

Place rubber dams and matrix bands. Complete impressions of diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication. Coronal polishing of teeth. Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday – Friday; 7:30am to 4:00pm (Subject to change based on agency needs). 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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