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Summary
The staff dental assistant serves at the full performance level for routine patient care and performs a full range of duties with indirect supervision from the lead or supervisory dental assistant or the treating dentist. Performs assigned selected procedures with some independence. Some complex patient procedures are performed under indirect supervision of more experienced dental assistants or dental supervisor.
Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of certification 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
(1) Experience
Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work - or provides familiarity with the work
OR (2) Education
Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
OR (3) 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
(1) 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)
(2) 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
(3) Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable
(4) 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
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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment - the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates
GS-3 Dental Assistant (a) Experience or Education
None beyond the basic requirements
(b) 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 Dental Assistant (a) Experience
In addition to the basic requirements - 1 year of experience at the next lower level - OR Education
2 years of education above high school that included completion of a dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) 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
GS-5 Dental Assistant (a) Experience or Education
(1) In addition to the requirements listed at GS-4 above - applicants must demonstrate at least 1 year of experience equivalent to at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level
OR (2) Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study that included or was supplemented by completion of a dental assistant program by CODA
(3) In addition to meeting paragraph (1) or (2) above - the applicant must demonstrate the following KSA's: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
1
Knowledge of anatomy and ability to evaluate diagnostic quality
2
Broad knowledge of common medical emergencies and vital signs measurement
3
Basic knowledge of instruments - materials and standardized dental procedures
4
Ability to learn and utilize software programs used within VHA
5
Basic communication skills to provide patient instructions according to established protocol
GS-6 Staff Dental Assistant (Full Performance Level) (a) Experience
At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level
In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
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
Preferred Experience: Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA) certification preferred
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06
Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation - see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
May require standing - lifting - carrying - sitting - stooping - bending - puling - and pushing
May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.
Duties
Customer Service Shows courtesy - respect - and a positive attitude for patients - co-workers and the public
Assists customers with questions or concerns
Patient Care Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover
Passes instruments safely - accurately - and efficiently
Assists in routine general dental procedures using four-handed dentistry concepts - basic knowledge of instruments - materials and standardized dental procedures
Assists in specialized dental procedures - such as oral surgery - endodontics - periodontics - prosthodontics - implant placement and restoration
Assists with basic restorative procedures
Responds to basic medical emergencies
Uses knowledge of vital signs to measure and record vital signs
Provides pre- and post-operative and other appropriate patient education instructions
Maintains a field of operation during dental procedures through the use of retraction - suction - irrigation - drying - placing and removing cotton rolls
Mixes basic dental materials
Assists in preparation of laboratory prescription forms
Applies pressure indicator paste to removable prostheses
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
Monitors - and performs basic interpretation of - patient vital signs (BP - pulse - pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedure
Applies topical anesthetic at the injection site
Applies topical fluoride
Removes plaque and soft debris from removable prostheses
Provides procedure-specific - patient-preventative education and oral hygiene instruction
Fabricates athletic mouth guards and bleaching trays
Performs other dental laboratory functions as needed
Maintains both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standards
Relays patient concerns to treating dentist
May perform other duties as required Dental Imaging Possesses ability to identify normal anatomy
Exposes and processes basic dental radiographs
Mounts and labels dental radiographs and/or saves digital imaging to electronic medical records
Evaluates radiographs for diagnostic quality
Modifies settings to achieve the images as requested by the provider
Captures images characterized by diagnostic quality that are accurately oriented and exposed
Utilizes dental-imaging safety techniques
Accomplishes imaging requests within desired time frame
Maintains routine dental equipment per manufacturer and dental service standards
Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories
Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination
Properly prepares instruments for transfer to SPS for sterilization
Follows all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment
Works closely with SPD to ensure availability of instruments so that clinical care is not delayed
Demonstrates proper infection‑control procedures in exposing images
Clerical Functions Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments
Initiates computerized progress note
Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records
Information Management Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information
Follows computer security regulations Patient Safety 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 The Joint Commission requirements
Monitors patient condition during treatment - being alert for signs of physical distress Employee Education Complies with Employee Education requirements
Completes mandatory annual training sessions Work Schedule: Monday-Friday
7:30am-4pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 629-00651-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of certification 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
(1) Experience
Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work - or provides familiarity with the work
OR (2) Education
Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
OR (3) 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
(1) 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)
(2) 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
(3) Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable
(4) 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
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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment - the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates
GS-3 Dental Assistant (a) Experience or Education
None beyond the basic requirements
(b) 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 Dental Assistant (a) Experience
In addition to the basic requirements - 1 year of experience at the next lower level - OR Education
2 years of education above high school that included completion of a dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) 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
GS-5 Dental Assistant (a) Experience or Education
(1) In addition to the requirements listed at GS-4 above - applicants must demonstrate at least 1 year of experience equivalent to at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level
OR (2) Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study that included or was supplemented by completion of a dental assistant program by CODA
(3) In addition to meeting paragraph (1) or (2) above - the applicant must demonstrate the following KSA's: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
1
Knowledge of anatomy and ability to evaluate diagnostic quality
2
Broad knowledge of common medical emergencies and vital signs measurement
3
Basic knowledge of instruments - materials and standardized dental procedures
4
Ability to learn and utilize software programs used within VHA
5
Basic communication skills to provide patient instructions according to established protocol
GS-6 Staff Dental Assistant (Full Performance Level) (a) Experience
At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level
In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
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
Preferred Experience: Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA) certification preferred
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06
Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation - see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
May require standing - lifting - carrying - sitting - stooping - bending - puling - and pushing
May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.
Duties
Customer Service Shows courtesy - respect - and a positive attitude for patients - co-workers and the public
Assists customers with questions or concerns
Patient Care Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover
Passes instruments safely - accurately - and efficiently
Assists in routine general dental procedures using four-handed dentistry concepts - basic knowledge of instruments - materials and standardized dental procedures
Assists in specialized dental procedures - such as oral surgery - endodontics - periodontics - prosthodontics - implant placement and restoration
Assists with basic restorative procedures
Responds to basic medical emergencies
Uses knowledge of vital signs to measure and record vital signs
Provides pre- and post-operative and other appropriate patient education instructions
Maintains a field of operation during dental procedures through the use of retraction - suction - irrigation - drying - placing and removing cotton rolls
Mixes basic dental materials
Assists in preparation of laboratory prescription forms
Applies pressure indicator paste to removable prostheses
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
Monitors - and performs basic interpretation of - patient vital signs (BP - pulse - pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedure
Applies topical anesthetic at the injection site
Applies topical fluoride
Removes plaque and soft debris from removable prostheses
Provides procedure-specific - patient-preventative education and oral hygiene instruction
Fabricates athletic mouth guards and bleaching trays
Performs other dental laboratory functions as needed
Maintains both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standards
Relays patient concerns to treating dentist
May perform other duties as required Dental Imaging Possesses ability to identify normal anatomy
Exposes and processes basic dental radiographs
Mounts and labels dental radiographs and/or saves digital imaging to electronic medical records
Evaluates radiographs for diagnostic quality
Modifies settings to achieve the images as requested by the provider
Captures images characterized by diagnostic quality that are accurately oriented and exposed
Utilizes dental-imaging safety techniques
Accomplishes imaging requests within desired time frame
Maintains routine dental equipment per manufacturer and dental service standards
Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories
Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination
Properly prepares instruments for transfer to SPS for sterilization
Follows all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment
Works closely with SPD to ensure availability of instruments so that clinical care is not delayed
Demonstrates proper infection‑control procedures in exposing images
Clerical Functions Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments
Initiates computerized progress note
Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records
Information Management Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information
Follows computer security regulations Patient Safety 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 The Joint Commission requirements
Monitors patient condition during treatment - being alert for signs of physical distress Employee Education Complies with Employee Education requirements
Completes mandatory annual training sessions Work Schedule: Monday-Friday
7:30am-4pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 629-00651-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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