The Lead Dental Assistant works with the supervisor or Dental Service Chief to monitor and make work assignments, provide input on performance, resolve daily workspace issues, and maintain efficient flows of patience care. The incumbent is assigned to the Baton Rouge Outpatient Clinic.

Duties

Major duties for the position include (but are not limited to): Facilitating team or unit processes by working collaboratively with team members or employees to ensure that tasks are completed, that good working relationships among team members and with management are maintained, and that team priorities and goals, needs, and achievements are coordinated with management; Assisting the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions without direct supervision; Leading a team of employees performing at GS-07 level or below; Monitoring the status and progress of work and making adjustments in accordance with establishes priorities; Checking work in progress to see that supervisory instruction has been met; Making recommendations to supervisor as requested concerning promotions, reassignments, recognitions of performance and personnel needs; Monitoring function of dental equipment and requesting repair or replacement; Setting up operatory/surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleaning dental unit for timely turnover; Keeping operative field clear of debris and retracting oral tissues effectively and comfortably; Assisting in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistry; Assisting in specialized dental procedure like oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant placement and restoration; Utilizing dental imaging safety techniques and minimizing retakes; Exposing both standard and specialty dental imaging in traditional and/or digital formats; Demonstrating proper infection control procedures; Assisting dentists in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records; Modifying care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities; Providing post-operative and other appropriate patient education. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 - Lead Dental Assistant Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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. English Language Proficiency: Dental assistantsmust be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education and/or Experience: 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). 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. 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: Lead Dental Assistant, GS-7 Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level or equivalent that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice, and demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants. Skill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignments. Ability to assist in dental program development, outcome management, and strategic planning. Skill in acting as a liaison between staff dental assistants and the supervisor. Ability to provide professional oversight and consultation for staff dental assistants. Preferred Experience: Service of at least one year as a Dental Assistant References: VA Handbook 5005/46, Part II Appendix G36, Dental Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 pounds), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, walking, standing, repeated bending, both legs required, both eyes required, depth perception (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services).

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 New Orleans VA Medical Center 2400 Canal Street New Orleans, LA 70119 US
• Name: Andrea Auguster
• Phone: 5045077583
• Email: [email protected]