Direct Jobs
Summary
The Hampton VA Medical Center is looking for a Dental Assistant to join the team! The Dental Assistant assist the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and perform other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. This position is located at the North Battlefield Clinic.
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
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)
English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a - this part
Experience: At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade 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)
Grandfathering Provision
All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title - series and grade held - including certification (for positions above the full performance level) that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation
For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard - but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it - the following provisions apply: (1) Such employees may be reassigned - promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level - or [changed to lower grade] within the occupation - but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions
Such employees must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels
(2) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed - on a temporary or permanent basis - until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard
(3) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation - who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.(4) If an employee who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation - the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment - the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates
Preferred Experience: In four handed dentistry as it relates to the dental care and treatment of veterans with compromised medical conditions
GS-6 Staff Dental Assistant Experience
At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level
Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: 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
Ability to perform dental assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures
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
Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting - 15-44 pounds
Moderate carrying - 15-44 pounds
Reaching above shoulder
Use of fingers
Both hands required
Walking (4 hours)
Standing (4 hours)
Kneeling
Repeated bending
DVA&NVA binocular 20/20
Both eyes required
Ability to distinguish basic colors
Ability to distinguish shades of colors
Hearing (aid may be permitted)
Mental/Emotional stability.
Duties
Chairside Assisting: Provides chairside assistance fully anticipating dentist needs for all instruments - materials and services
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 general dental procedures
Assists in specialized dental procedures - such as oral surgery - endodontics - and periodontics
Takes preliminary impressions for study models - modifying impression tray as needed
Dental Imaging: Operates dental X-ray equipment taking intra- and extra-oral radiographs
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
Records dental images using x-ray equipment
Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization: Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories
Maintains dental equipment in a clean and operative condition
Debrides and decontaminates instruments - materials and equipment
Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPS standards
Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care
Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images
Supports and follows all infectious disease policies
Clerical Functions: Assists patients in scheduling appointments - makes appointments - and handles telephone inquiries
Records information related to the medical and dental history as relayed by the dentist or patient
Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's and hygienist's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments
Assists the dentist and hygienist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records
Maintains MSDS logs and supply levels and orders supplies when the inventory is low
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 TJC and facility requirements
Instructs patient in preventive dental care measures - general nutrition as related to dental health - the common causes of tooth decay - and the care of prosthodontic appliances
Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education
Monitors patient condition during treatment - being alert for signs of physical distress
Employee Education: Complies with Employee Education requirements
Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions
Dental Laboratory Functions: Pours impressions and prepares study models
Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims
Performs other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow
Pours and trim models
Constructs custom impression trays
Direct Patient Care: Remove sutures and removal of periodontal surgical dressing
Impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication
Remove temporary crown/bridge and clean tooth preparation of debris
Applies desensitizing agents - tissue conditioners and other topical agents prescribed by dentist to specified area of the oral cavity
Assists in surgical treatment by applying and removing periodontal and post-extraction dressings - and removing sutures
Recement temporary crowns and bridges
Supports dentist in endodontic treatment by applying rubber dam
Advanced Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA): Knowledge of OSHA policies of Safe Work Practices including the hazard Communication Program - Blood borne Pathogens Standards - Medical Waste management - Fire and other Emergency Evacuation procedures
Knowledge of regulatory and advisory agencies of the healthcare field
Ability to demonstrate the procedure for cleaning up a spill of potentially infectious material
Ability to analyze essential information on SDS and create an appropriate label for a secondary container
Ability to recognize an exposure incident in compliance with OSHA regulations
Demonstrates the preparation of soiled instruments for recirculation - including ultra sonic - cold sterilization - wrapping - autoclaving and preset tray preparation
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 7:30am - 4:00pm Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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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
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)
English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a - this part
Experience: At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade 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)
Grandfathering Provision
All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title - series and grade held - including certification (for positions above the full performance level) that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation
For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard - but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it - the following provisions apply: (1) Such employees may be reassigned - promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level - or [changed to lower grade] within the occupation - but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions
Such employees must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels
(2) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed - on a temporary or permanent basis - until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard
(3) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation - who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.(4) If an employee who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation - the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment - the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates
Preferred Experience: In four handed dentistry as it relates to the dental care and treatment of veterans with compromised medical conditions
GS-6 Staff Dental Assistant Experience
At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level
Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: 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
Ability to perform dental assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures
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
Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting - 15-44 pounds
Moderate carrying - 15-44 pounds
Reaching above shoulder
Use of fingers
Both hands required
Walking (4 hours)
Standing (4 hours)
Kneeling
Repeated bending
DVA&NVA binocular 20/20
Both eyes required
Ability to distinguish basic colors
Ability to distinguish shades of colors
Hearing (aid may be permitted)
Mental/Emotional stability.
Duties
Chairside Assisting: Provides chairside assistance fully anticipating dentist needs for all instruments - materials and services
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 general dental procedures
Assists in specialized dental procedures - such as oral surgery - endodontics - and periodontics
Takes preliminary impressions for study models - modifying impression tray as needed
Dental Imaging: Operates dental X-ray equipment taking intra- and extra-oral radiographs
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
Records dental images using x-ray equipment
Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization: Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories
Maintains dental equipment in a clean and operative condition
Debrides and decontaminates instruments - materials and equipment
Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPS standards
Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care
Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images
Supports and follows all infectious disease policies
Clerical Functions: Assists patients in scheduling appointments - makes appointments - and handles telephone inquiries
Records information related to the medical and dental history as relayed by the dentist or patient
Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's and hygienist's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments
Assists the dentist and hygienist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records
Maintains MSDS logs and supply levels and orders supplies when the inventory is low
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 TJC and facility requirements
Instructs patient in preventive dental care measures - general nutrition as related to dental health - the common causes of tooth decay - and the care of prosthodontic appliances
Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education
Monitors patient condition during treatment - being alert for signs of physical distress
Employee Education: Complies with Employee Education requirements
Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions
Dental Laboratory Functions: Pours impressions and prepares study models
Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims
Performs other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow
Pours and trim models
Constructs custom impression trays
Direct Patient Care: Remove sutures and removal of periodontal surgical dressing
Impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication
Remove temporary crown/bridge and clean tooth preparation of debris
Applies desensitizing agents - tissue conditioners and other topical agents prescribed by dentist to specified area of the oral cavity
Assists in surgical treatment by applying and removing periodontal and post-extraction dressings - and removing sutures
Recement temporary crowns and bridges
Supports dentist in endodontic treatment by applying rubber dam
Advanced Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA): Knowledge of OSHA policies of Safe Work Practices including the hazard Communication Program - Blood borne Pathogens Standards - Medical Waste management - Fire and other Emergency Evacuation procedures
Knowledge of regulatory and advisory agencies of the healthcare field
Ability to demonstrate the procedure for cleaning up a spill of potentially infectious material
Ability to analyze essential information on SDS and create an appropriate label for a secondary container
Ability to recognize an exposure incident in compliance with OSHA regulations
Demonstrates the preparation of soiled instruments for recirculation - including ultra sonic - cold sterilization - wrapping - autoclaving and preset tray preparation
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 7:30am - 4:00pm Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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