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

Overview

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Base pay range

$39,121.00/yr - $71,196.00/yr

Summary

Dental Assistants perform a full range of duties with direct and indirect supervision from a lead or supervisory Dental Assistant or an independent dental care provider (dentist - dental specialist) or hygienist. Some complex patient care procedures are performed under the direct or indirect supervision of more experienced dental assistants - independent dental care providers or hygienists.

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
• 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: 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)
• 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
• Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable
• 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
• 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
• GS-3 Experience or Education
• None beyond the basic requirements
• Assignment
• Employees at this level serve in dental assistant career development positions
• It is expected that they receive guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patient issues - and require daily close supervision
• GS-4 Experience or Education
• In addition to the basic requirements - 1 year of experience at the next lower level - OR 2 years of education above high school that included completion of a dental assistant program accredited by CODA
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities 1
• Basic knowledge of infection control and safe instrument handling
• 2
• Basic knowledge of dental procedures and medical emergencies
• 3
• Ability to perform basic radiographic image capture and processing/retrieval
• 4
• Basic knowledge of maintenance - care and storage of dental equipment
• 5
• Basic knowledge of patient privacy requirements
• Assignment
• Employees at this level serve as development staff dental assistants
• Guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patient issues and daily on-site supervision
• Assignments at this level include: receiving and preparing patients for treatment, seating, positioning, disinfection and sterilization procedures
• Performing basic chair side assisting with direct instruction from treating dentist
• Reporting medical emergencies to dentist
• Preparing procedural trays/armamentaria set-ups
• Exposing and processing basic dental radiographs with direct supervision
• Mounting and labeling dental radiographs and/or saving digital images to the EMR with direct supervision
• Complying with standard equipment maintenance
• Retrieving patient records prior to seating the patient
• Directing patient to appropriate staff for scheduling
• GS-5 Experience or Education: In addition to the requirements listed at GS-4 above - at least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level
• OR Successful completion of a full 4-year CODA-accredited dental assistant program
• In addition - KSAs: Knowledge of anatomy, ability to evaluate diagnostic quality
• Broad knowledge of medical emergencies and vital signs
• Basic knowledge of instruments, materials and standardized dental procedures
• Ability to learn and utilize software programs used within VHA
• Basic communication skills to provide patient instructions
• GS-6 - Dental Assistant (Full Performance Level)
• Experience: At least 1 year at GS-5 level demonstrating core competencies
• Technical KSAs: articulate abilities including identifying oral anatomy, restorative and imaging skills, patient education, data entry in electronic records, and laboratory procedures
• Preferred Experience: Dental x-ray certification, CPR certification, and Chairside Dental Assisting experience
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, visit VA Qualification Standards
• Physical Requirements: Long periods of standing, walking, sitting, bending; pushing equipment; climbing to access supplies; lifting patients as needed; handling laboratory procedures

Duties

• The major duties of the Dental Assistant position: Customer Service - showing courtesy, respect and a positive attitude to patients, co-workers and the public
• Chairside Assist­ing: Prepare treatment area and assist during procedures; keep area clean and disinfected between patients
• Escort patients from waiting area to treatment area and back as needed
• Pass instruments safely and efficiently; maintain clear operative field
• Stock, clean, and disinfect the treatment area
• Assist the dental provider with clinical exams, radiographs, and treatments following infection control policies
• Expose and process radiographs, ensuring diagnostic quality
• Maintain infection control and proper instrument processing; prepare instruments for Sterile Processing Service
• Manage patient records and scheduling as directed; support open appointments as needed
• Chart exam findings in the medical record; coordinate patient care accommodations and safety
• Monitor patient status during procedures; alert provider to signs of distress
• Complete dental laboratory duties such as pouring impressions and fabricating trays
• Provide post-operative instructions to patients
• Recruitment incentives may be authorized for Highly Qualified candidates
• Work Schedule: Compressed Tour Monday-Thursday 6:30am-4:00pm; Friday 6:30am-3:00pm; every other Friday off
• Compressed: Available
• Telework: Not available
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: GS-6 - 92637-0
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Health Care Provider
• Industries: Government Administration

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Notes

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) - Anderson Smiles Center; Dental Assistant - Blue Ash Smiles Group

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