The Lead Dental Assistant assist the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independent of direct supervision. The dental assistant receives and prepares patients for dental treatment and assists the dentist at chairside. Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc (DANB) certification is preferred, but not required.

Duties

The Lead Dental Assistant facilitates team or unit processes by working collaboratively with team members or employees to ensure that tasks are completed, that there are good working relationships among team members and with management, and that team priorities and goals, needs, and achievements are coordinated with management. Duties Include: Lead the dental assistant team by providing guidance and technical direction. Serve as a work leader, assuring the work assignments of employees in the unit are carried out. Monitor the status and progress of work making adjustments as needed. Instruct employees in specific tasks and job techniques. Maintain current knowledge and answers questions from team members on procedures, policies, and directives. Provide expert advice on specific tasks, procedures, and policies. Serve as a liaison between the scheduler and the dentist to maintain efficient and productive use of the dentists' patient care time. Obtain needed information on decisions from the supervisor on major issues and problems that arise. Report to the supervisor on individual performance, progress, and training needs of employees, and on performance problems. Maintain the dental station and treatment area in a clean and operational condition. Customer Service: Show courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public. Provide assistance to customers with questions or concerns. Chairside Assisting: Set up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and clean dental unit. Pass instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Keep operative field clear of debris and retract oral tissues effectively and comfortably. Prepare dental medicaments and impression materials. Assist in routine general and specialized dental procedures. Dental Imaging, Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization: Ensure instruments are properly prepared for sterilization and maintain inventory control on all RME. Clerical Functions: Assist patients in scheduling appointments. Assist in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule. Assist dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records. Information Management: Maintain patient confidentiality and follow computer security regulations. Patient Safety: Provide accurate and understandable instructions to patients. Participate in patient identification and time out. Monitor patient condition and vitals during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. Employee Education: Comply with Employee Education requirements and TMS accountability. Dental Laboratory Functions: Pour impressions and prepare study models and other dental laboratory functions. Work Schedule: Day shift: 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Preferred Certification: Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc (DANB) certification is preferred, but not required. Please submit a copy of your certification with you application package. Basic Requirements: The following are the basic requirements and amounts of experience and/or education required to qualify for this position. Creditable experience is defined as, experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) associated with current Dental Assistant responsibilities. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Proficient in spoken and written English. Experience: At least 6 months experience that demonstrates the 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), OR Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. Radiographer Certification: Completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc.; OR 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 completion of a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the Department of Defense. In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following are the qualifications criteria at the GS7 grade level. Specialized Experience: Must possess 1 year experience equivalent to the GS-6 level that demonstrates the following core competencies: 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; and ability to perform dental assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures. In addition must be able to demonstrate: a. Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice, and demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants. b. Skill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignments. c. Ability to assist in dental program development, outcome management, and strategic planning. d. Skill in acting as liaison between staff dental assistants and the supervisor. e. Ability to provide professional oversight and consultation for staff dental assistants. References: VA Handbook 5005/46, Part II, Appendix G36, Dental Assistant, dated 4/19/2011. Physical Demands: Long periods of standing, walking, sitting, and bending are required. Work Environment: Work involves regular and recurring exposure to potential hazards of radiation and communicable diseases. Assistant uses lead shielding or takes other acceptable measures for protection against radiation and disease and uses personal protective equipment (e.g., surgical gowns, masks, eye wear, gloves, etc.) during clinical procedures and in accordance with service guidelines and policies.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 820 South Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60612 US
• Name: Felicia Davis
• Phone: 312-569-8107
• Email: [email protected]