The position is located in Dental Service at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane, Washington. The incumbent works with the supervisor or Dental Service Chief to monitor and make work assignments, provide input on performance, resolve daily workplace issues, and maintain efficient flow of patient care. Applicants must meet all requirements by close of 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. English Language Proficiency: Dental Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a. 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: (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). DANB Certification: Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is required for all positions above 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: GS-7 Lead Dental Assistant: DANB Certification: Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is required for all positions above full performance level. Experience: At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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 liaison between staff dental assistants and the supervisor. Ability to provide professional oversight and consultation for staff dental assistants. Preferred Experience: CDA through DANB and 5+ experience in the dental assisting field References: VHA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G36, Qualifications for Dental Assistants. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: light carrying (under 15 lbs), straight pulling (1 hr), pushing (1 hr), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, standing (6 hrs), ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, depth perception, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing (aid permitted), emotional and mental stability, critical thinking skills, reaching, twisting, full dexterity of both arms, wrists, and hands/fingers, ability to work independently, excessive noise (intermittent), fumes/smoke or gasses, excessive standing (up to 6 hours), working closely with others, aerosols, flame, solvent fumes, bodily fluids. ["The incumbent assists 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, bedside or in the operating room. Duties will include: Leads a team of employees performing at the GS-7 level or below. Provides guidance and technical direction necessary for accomplishing the work of the team Serves as a work leader, assuring the work assignments of employees in the unit are carried out. Coordinates daily dental assistant work assignments at the start of the shift and throughout the day as the need arises. Monitors the status and progress of work and makes adjustment in accordance with established priorities. Serves as Systems Redesign Coordinator. Obtains assistance from the supervisor as needed for major issues or problems which arise. Checks work in progress to see that the supervisor's instructions have been met. Instructs employees in specific tasks and job techniques. Trains employees (dentist, dental residents, and dental assistants) in computerized dental patient record systems including generating patient consults, storing and viewing digital images, entry of diagnostic data and preparation of treatment planning. Trains team members, students and volunteers in the accomplishment of tasks or projects. Maintains current knowledge and answers questions from team members on procedures, policies, and directives. Organizes and maintains Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Provides input in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the dental staff for Reusable Medical Equipment. Trains dental staff in SOPs and reports noncompliance to supervisor. Participates in the management of dental supplies to assure adequate stock levels and appropriate storage. Serves as a liaison between the scheduler and the dentist to maintain efficient and productive use of the dentists' patient care time and minimize missed opportunities. Makes written instructions, reference materials, and relevant background material available. Obtains needed information on decisions from the supervisor on major issues and problems that arise. Reports to the supervisor on individual performance, progress, and training needs of employees, and on performance problems. Makes recommendations to supervisor as requested concerning promotions, reassignments, recognitions of performance and personnel needs. Maintains the dental station and treatment area in a clean and operational condition. Assures that the dental treatment area is set up and shut down each work day to maintain security of the clinic area and dental equipment. Delegates these duties as necessary. Monitors function of dental equipment and requests repair or replacement. Prepares electronic work orders and monitors completion. Compliant in Chair-side Assisting. 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. Compliant in Dental Imaging. 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. Compliant in Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization. Compliant in 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, treatment plans, and treatment in patient records (including the use of CPRS, Dental Record Manager, and VistA). Compliant in Information Management. Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information. Compliant in Patient Safety. Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position). Compliant in Employee Education. Complies with Employee Education requirements. Compliant in Dental Laboratory Functions. Pours impressions and prepares study models. Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims. Prepares cases for the dental laboratory and ensures timely retrieval of completed cases from the laboratory. Compliant in Direct Patient Care. Remove sutures. Impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication. Remove temporary crown/bridge and clean tooth preparation of debris. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 08:00AM-4:30PM PST\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required."]