Dental Assistant Job at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Phoenix

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.

Responsibilities

• Assists patients, co-workers, and the public with courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude.
• Sets up operatory and surgery suite for planned dental procedure.
• Keeps operative field clear of debris, 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.
• 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 and/or digital formats.
• Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination.
• Follows all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment.
• Assists in filling gaps in the doctor\'s schedule due to cancellations and failed appointments.
• Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records.
• Monitors patient condition during treatment and remains alert for signs of physical distress.

Work Schedule

Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position

Position Title/Functional Statement #: Dental Assistant

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel

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 education. OR, education: Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association\'s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Transcript(s) 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 completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards and be certified as radiographers in their field.

Provisions for Certification of Radiologic Competence

• Successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination by the Dental Assisting National Board (copy of certification must be submitted with application), or
• Successful completion of the Principles and Practice of Dental Radiology and Radiographic Safety courses and examinations developed by the VA, with copy of certification submitted with application, or
• Successful completion of a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the DoD, with copy of certification submitted with application.

Grade Determinations

GS-6 Staff Dental Assistant (Full Performance Level): At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. The candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: identify normal oral anatomy; advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and procedures; monitor and interpret vital signs; provide patient education and refer concerns to the dentist; capture dental images; perform maintenance on dental equipment; enter and retrieve data in electronic dental records; perform dental laboratory procedures.

Assignment: The employee serves at the full performance level with some independence in assigned specialties; supports four-handed dentistry; assists with specialty procedures; takes preliminary impressions; fabricates and refines diagnostic casts; fabricates custom trays.

Preferred Experience: Familiarity with the work, training in digital impression taking, CAD software for restorations, and CAM milling for single-visit crowns and bridges.

References

VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G36 - Title 38 Hybrid Dental Assistant. The full performance level is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected is GS-6.

Physical Requirements

Light lifting and carrying; walking, standing, bending; near and far vision; hearing with aid allowed.

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you base all or part of your qualifications on education. Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited institutions may be used for Federal employment. Foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual Leave: Federal employees earn annual leave based on years of service. VA may offer credit for prior non-federal experience or active duty service. This job may be used to fill additional vacancies. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: visit VA for Vets for career resources. If you cannot apply online, contact the Agency Contact listed in this announcement.

Applicants should be committed to improving government efficiency and upholding the rule of law and Constitution.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Part-time
• Job function: Health Care Provider
• Industries: Hospitals and Health Care