Dental Assistant - Clinical Expanded Function (Prosthodontics)

Summary

Dental assistants at this level serve as staff dental assistants above the full performance level, performing the most complex procedures under the general supervision of the staff prosthodontist. They have advanced knowledge of instruments, procedures, and standardized materials used in the specialty of oral and maxillofacial prosthodontics. They also have advanced knowledge of Occupational Safety and health Administration (OSHA) standards for clinical and laboratory operations.

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Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates

06/20/2024 to 07/05/2024

• Salary

$55,924 - $72,703 per year

• Pay scale & grade

GS 7

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• Martinsburg, WV 1 vacancy

• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

No

• Travel Required

Not required

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent

• Work schedule

Full-time

• Service

Excepted

• Promotion potential

None

• Job family (Series)

0681 Dental Assistant

• Supervisory status

No

• Security clearance

Other

• Drug test

Yes

• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

• Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CBTF-12431775-24-JAH

• Control number

796516500

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This job is open to

• The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to U.S Citizens.

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Duties

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery.

• 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.

• Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols.

• Assists in routine dental procedures which may be necessary to be completed as part of specialty prosthodontic dental treatment.

• Assists in specialized prosthodontic and surgical prosthodontic procedures, such as, but not limited to, dental implant surgery, bone grafting and tissue regeneration procedures, complex full mouth reconstruction.

• 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.

• Able to expose 3D cone beam digital images of the oral and maxillofacial region for dental implant planning and examination of pathology.

• Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by Sterile Processing Service [SPS] standards.

• Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing digital images.

• Assists MSA in scheduling patient appointments.

• 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.

• Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information.

• Follows computer security regulations

• Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position) Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients.

• Participates in patient identification and time out per JCAHO requirements.

• Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress.

• Pours impressions and prepares diagnostic casts.

• Fabricates final denture impression trays and prepares wax occlusion rims.

• Performs other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow under the supervision of the staff prosthodontist.

• Other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Full time. Monday through Friday. 8:00am to 4:30pm.

Telework: Not Available.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.

• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.

• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.

• You may be required to serve a probationary period.

• Subject to background/security investigation.

• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.

• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

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

• Experience. Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work, or provides familiarity with the work. OR,

• Education. Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on [Dental] Accreditation [(CODA)].

• 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 not required, but highly desirable for the appointment of Dental Assistants up to and including the full performance level, and is required for all positions above the full performance level (APL).

• English Language Proficiency. Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.

Grade Determinations: GS7 Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant (APL).

Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level or equivalent that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. In addition to meeting all the basic requirements listed above, At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level or equivalent that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level.

• 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, and

• Ability to perform dental assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Ability to perform dental assisting expanded functions.

• Comprehensive working knowledge of advanced imaging techniques in order to provide instruction (e.g. cone beam, cephalometric, advanced panoramic imaging, TMJ, etc.).

Assignment: In this position, the employee performs a higher level, scope, complexity and variety representing the clinical assignment, and applies advanced clinical skills. Representative duties at this level include, but are not limited to: gathering diagnostic information, pulp vitality testing, charting of existing conditions, placing of rubber dam and matrices, selecting shades, placing retraction cord, placing and removing temporary restorations, fabricating temporary crowns and removing permanent cement from supragingival surfaces. In addition, the expanded function assistant may place and remove surgical dressing, monitor nitrous oxide analgesia, and perform coronal polishing and the cleaning and polishing of removable prostheses.

Preferred Experience: Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable.

References: VA Handbook 5005/46 Part II Appendix G36.

Above Full Performance Level GS-7.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

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• Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window

Learn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.