Dental assistants at this level serve as staff dental assistants above the full performance level, performing the most complex procedures under the general supervision of the staff prosthodontist. They have advanced knowledge of instruments, procedures, and standardized materials used in the specialty of oral and maxillofacial prosthodontics. They also have advanced knowledge of Occupational Safety and health Administration (OSHA) standards for clinical and laboratory operations.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to: Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery. 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 dental procedures which may be necessary to be completed as part of specialty prosthodontic dental treatment. Assists in specialized prosthodontic and surgical prosthodontic procedures, such as, but not limited to, dental implant surgery, bone grafting and tissue regeneration procedures, complex full mouth reconstruction. 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. Able to expose 3D cone beam digital images of the oral and maxillofacial region for dental implant planning and examination of pathology. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by Sterile Processing Service [SPS] standards. Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing digital images. Assists MSA in scheduling patient 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. Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information. Follows computer security regulations 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. Pours impressions and prepares diagnostic casts. Fabricates final denture impression trays and prepares wax occlusion rims. Performs other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow under the supervision of the staff prosthodontist. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Full time. Monday through Friday. 8:00am to 4:30pm. 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

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. 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). 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 (APL). English Language Proficiency. Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Grade Determinations: GS7 Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant (APL). Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level or equivalent that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. In addition to meeting all the basic requirements listed above, At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level or equivalent that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to perform dental assisting expanded functions. Comprehensive working knowledge of advanced imaging techniques in order to provide instruction (e.g. cone beam, cephalometric, advanced panoramic imaging, TMJ, etc.). Assignment: In this position, the employee performs a higher level, scope, complexity and variety representing the clinical assignment, and applies advanced clinical skills. Representative duties at this level include, but are not limited to: gathering diagnostic information, pulp vitality testing, charting of existing conditions, placing of rubber dam and matrices, selecting shades, placing retraction cord, placing and removing temporary restorations, fabricating temporary crowns and removing permanent cement from supragingival surfaces. In addition, the expanded function assistant may place and remove surgical dressing, monitor nitrous oxide analgesia, and perform coronal polishing and the cleaning and polishing of removable prostheses. Preferred Experience: Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable. References: VA Handbook 5005/46 Part II Appendix G36. Above Full Performance Level GS-7. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Martinsburg VA Medical Center 510 Butler Avenue Martinsburg, WV 25405 US
• Name: Joseph Hannan
• Phone: 304-268-9384
• Email: [email protected]