This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT to establish an applicant pool to fill vacancies more quickly as they occur. Eligible applications will be reviewed for consideration as vacancies occur, but no sooner than 15 business days after the opening date of the announcement. The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. 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: Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work, or provides familiarity with the work OR Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) OR 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 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. English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, VA Handbook 5005. Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable. 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-6 (Full Performance Level). Experience: At least one (1) year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-05) that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. In addition to meeting the requirements for the GS-6 level, 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 formats6. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G36 dated April 19, 2011. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs. and over); Light Carrying (15-44 lbs.); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 4 hours); Standing (up to 4 hours); Both legs required; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Mental and emotional stability required. This position requires some exposure to blood borne pathogens, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials. ["Duties include, but are not limited to: Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedures and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Possesses advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative, surgical, endodontic, and periodontal care Passes instruments safely, accurately and efficiently. Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably. Assists in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistry. Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions. Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols. Prepares instruments for sterilization by SPD standards and does not delay clinical care. Monitors, and performs basic interpretation of, patient vital signs (BP, pulse, pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedure. Takes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication. Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims. Provides procedure-specific, patient-preventative education and oral hygiene instruction. Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant placement and restoration. Maintains both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standards. Performs other dental laboratory functions as needed. Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education. Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e., TMJ, cephalometric, cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formats. Captures images characterized by diagnostic quality and accurately oriented and exposed. Takes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories. Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination. Properly prepares instruments for transfer to SPS for sterilization. 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. Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients. Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. Schedule appointments. Charts findings and treatment plans in patient records. Pours impressions and prepares study models. Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 7:30am - 4:00pm, At least three to four Saturdays per month Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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