Dental Assistants at this level serve in staff dental assistant positions independently performing more complex work in the dental disciplines of restorative, endodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, implantology, and oral surgery while receiving general administrative supervision. The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision.

Duties

Work Schedule: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday- Friday Compressed/Flexible:Maybe Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required Duties include but are not limited to: Chairside Assisting Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite 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 maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, and surgical periodontics Dental Imaging Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized Demonstrates proper procedure for importing and exporting digital radiographs Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. TMJ, ceph, cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formats Modifies settings to achieve the images as requested by the provider Shares comprehensive working knowledge of imaging techniques and provides instruction to others maintains the imaging quality control program Clerical Functions Assists patients in scheduling appointments Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records demonstrating the advanced use of the computerized dental patient record system Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images 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 JCAHO requirements Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress Monitors patient (BP, pulse EKG, pulse oximeter), and condition during moderate sedation and during recovery period following procedure Dental Laboratory Functions Pours impressions and prepares study models Demonstrates the ability to make final denture impression trays and perform other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow 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 Recement and fabricate temporary crowns Coronal polishing of teeth Place rubber dams and matrix bands Provides post-operative, and appropriate patient education Contract Management Assists chief of service and the Administrative Officer to acquire supplies and equipment through contractual agreements. Serves as verifying/ certifying official for contracts to ensure appropriate supplies are delivered by the - contracted vendors Verifies quality assurance of the delivered supplies are documented and corrective actions are initiated - as needed.

Requirements

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. 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. 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) GS-7 Lead Dental Assistant: Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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. 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 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). References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/46 PART II APPENDIX G36 Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires mostly periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients/residents who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on stakeholder needs.

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 Durham VA Medical Center 508 Fulton Street Durham, NC 27705 US
• Name: KARI LEPINE
• Phone: 906-396-9895
• Email: [email protected]