The American Dental Hygienists' Association is hiring: Dental Assistant in Phoen

Overview

The Phoenix VA Health Care System is recruiting for one (1) Dental Assistant in the Dental Service. The position is located at the Carl T. Hayden VA Clinic in Phoenix, AZ. The Dental Assistant reports to the Supervisory Dentist, Lead Dental Assistant, or Supervisory Dental Assistant. The incumbent performs a wide range of tasks from patient care, dental imaging, and sterilization procedures.

Qualifications

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 - Education
• Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) - transcripts must be submitted
• Conferral of degree(s) should be present on transcripts
• Unofficial transcripts OK
• OR - Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying
• [Transcripts must be submitted; unofficial transcripts OK]
• Certification: Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75
• They must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds these standards and is accredited by a recognized organization and be certified as radiographers in their field
• Provisions for Certification of Radiologic Competence: Successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination or equivalent as listed below with required certification submission:
• – Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination (Dental Assisting National Board, Inc.) or
• – Principles and Practice of Dental Radiology and Radiographic Safety courses and examinations (certificate copy required)
• – Radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the DoD (copy required)

• Grade Determinations: GS-6 Staff Dental Assistant (Full Performance Level) – Experience: at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level
• Additional technical KSAs: identify normal oral anatomy, advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and restorative, surgical, endodontic, and periodontal care; monitor basic interpretation of vital signs
• Ability to independently provide procedure-specific patient education and appropriate referral of patient concerns to the treating dentist
• Ability to capture standard and special dental images in traditional or digital formats
• Ability to perform maintenance on dental equipment and enter/retrieve data in electronic dental records
• Ability to perform dental assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures

• Assignment: Full performance level with some independence in assigned specialties, with indirect supervision from the Lead Dental Assistant, Dental Assistant Supervisor, or treating dentist
• Assignments include using four-handed dentistry, assisting with specialty procedures (oral surgery, periodontal therapy, endodontic, prosthodontic, implant placement/restoration), anticipating surgeons' needs, and performing related tasks
• Typical duties include preliminary impressions, selecting and manipulating gypsums/waxes, pouring/trimming/evaluating diagnostic casts, and fabricating custom trays
• Preferred Experience: Familiarity with digital impression taking, CAD software for restorations, and CAM milling machines for single-visit crowns/bridges
• References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G36, Title 38 Hybrid Dental Assistant
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6; applicable grade at selection is GS-6
• Physical Requirements: Light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds), walking/standing up to 2 hours, occasional bending, near/far vision requirements, hearing (aids permitted)

Duties

• The Dental Assistant performs tasks under the supervision of supervisory staff and assists the Dentist in many aspects of direct patient care, as well as other clinical and clerical functions independently
• Assists patients, co-workers, and the public with courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude
• Sets up the operatory and surgery suite for planned dental procedures
• Keeps the operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues; prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer instructions
• Complies with standard infection control protocols for intra-operative procedures
• Takes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication
• Exposes standard and specialty dental imaging (e.g., TMJ, cephalometric, cone beam) in traditional or digital formats
• Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross-contamination and follows SOPs for Reusable Medical Equipment
• Assists in filling gaps in the doctor’s schedule due to cancellations or missed appointments
• Assists the dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records
• Monitors patient condition during treatment and remains alert for signs of distress
• Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Position Title/Functional Statement #: Dental Assistant
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized; PCS: Not Authorized; Financial Disclosure Report: Not required