This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

Dental Assistants can be in a developmental level, GS-3 through GS-5, up to the full performance level GS-6. Dental Assistants at the full performance level serve as staff dental assistants for routine patient care and perform more complex patient procedures under the general supervision of more experienced dental assistants or dental supervisor. It is expected that a GS-6 level assistant performs more complex procedures while receiving less frequent supervision. Some duties and responsibilities include: Customer Service Possess professional customer service skills; always show courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co­workers and the public. Assist customers with questions or concerns and provide service recovery. Patient Care Set up operatory for planned dental procedures and clean dental unit for timely turnover. 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 per manufacturer's instructions. Complete all intra­operative procedures within standard infection control protocols. Monitor and perform basic interpretation of patient vital signs (BP, pulse, pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedure. Apply fluoride products, topical anesthetics, medications, and medicaments as ordered by dentist. Take impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication. Proficient in dental laboratory functions: pour impressions and prepare study models, make final denture impression trays, and prepare bite rims. Assist in routine general dental procedures. Assist in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, and prosthodontics. Provide post-operative and other appropriate patient education. Fabricate athletic mouth guards and bleaching trays. Perform other dental laboratory functions as needed. Maintain both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental-service standards. Relay patient concerns to treating dentist. Dental Imaging Possess the ability to identify normal anatomy. Expose both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. TMJ, cephalometric, cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formats. Modify settings to achieve the images as requested by the provider. Capture images characterized by diagnostic quality that are accurately oriented and exposed. Utilize dental-imaging safety techniques and approved practices so retakes are minimized. Accomplish imaging requests within desired time frame. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization At all times demonstrate proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories. Properly prepare instruments for sterilization by SPS. Follow all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment. Work closely with SPS to ensure availability of instruments so clinical care is not delayed Demonstrate proper infection-control procedures in exposing images. Clerical Functions Assist patients in scheduling appointments and filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments. Assist dentist in charting findings, treatment plans, and treatment in patient records. Initiate computerized progress notes. Information Management Maintain patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information. Follow and maintain computer security regulations. Patient Safety Skilled in patient safety techniques to modify care as required by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position). Provide accurate and understandable instructions to patients. Monitor patient's condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. Participate in patient identification and time out per The Joint Commission requirements. Employee Education Complete all employee education requirements and mandatory annual safety training sessions. Maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) Qualification. Work Schedule: Mon - Fri, 7:30am to 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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). 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. 5. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain licensure/certification/registration within the required time frame, or who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification/registration must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. 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. GS-3 Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 Experience or Education. In addition to the basic requirements, 1 year of experience at the next lower level. OR 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 KSA's. 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 Experience or Education. In addition to the requirements listed at GS-4 above, applicants must demonstrate at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. OR Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study that included or was supplemented by completion of a dental assistant program by CODA. In addition to meeting one of the paragraphs above, the applicant must demonstrate the following KSA's. 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 (Full Performance Level) 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. 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. Note: To receive full consideration at the GS-4, 5, and 6 levels, you must clearly describe how you meet these KSAs in your resume; we cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. References: VA Handbook 5005/46, Part II, Appendix G36, April 19, 2011. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: The Dental Assistant position requires sitting for extended periods of time; twisting and bending; passing instruments; moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; standing (up to 3 hours); repeated bending (up to 8 hours); near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; depth perception; and hearing (aid may be permitted). Working Conditions: Work is performed in a clinic setting with direct patient care involving both sitting and standing chairside, there may be exposure to radiation (x-rays).

Education

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). If selected for this position, you are encouraged to apply for EDRP within four (4) months of appointment and must meet specific individual eligibility criteria in accordance with VHA Policy 1021. Final award amount and program start date is determined after review of a complete EDRP application, supporting documentation, and final approval by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office. Please contact the EDRP Coordinators at [email protected]

IMPORTANT: If basing your qualifications on education, you must submit a copy of all relevant transcripts with your application. You do not need to submit an official copy; however, your submitted transcript must include your name, name of school, name of program, total credits completed, and date degree/certificate conferred. Your transcript will be reviewed for relevant coursework; therefore, the copy you submit must be legible.

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 Anchorage VA Medical Center 1201 North Muldoon Road Anchorage, AK 99504 US
• Name: Joe Julkowski
• Phone: 509-434-7382
• Email: [email protected]