The Clinical Expanded Functions Dental Assistant performs a higher level, scope, complexity and variety of dental assisting duties representing the clinical assignment, and applies advanced clinical skills. They perform the full range of duties for routine patient care with indirect supervision from the lead or supervisory dental assistant of the treating dentist. Duties will be performed in the Dental Clinic. Basic Requirements: 1.United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 2. English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English. 3. 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. 4. 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). 5. 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 required for all positions above the full performance level. Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification/registration must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. Grandfathering Provision: 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, Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant 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: a. Ability to perform dental assisting expanded functions. b. Comprehensive working knowledge of advanced imaging techniques in order to provide instruction (e.g. cone beam, cephalometric, advanced panoramic imaging, TMJ, etc). References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/46, PART II, APPENDIX G36, Dated APRIL 19, 2011 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Major duties include but are not limited to the following: Expanded Function Duties Performs mouth mirror inspection of the oral cavity. Gathers diagnostic information. Performs pulp vitality testing. Charts existing restoration and conditions. Selects shaded for fixed and removable prostheses. Patient Care Duties Compliant with patient identification requirements. Compliant with meeting their role in the Medication Reconciliation Process. Compliant with meeting their role in the Time-Out Process. Compliant with meeting their role in the IMED consent process. Compliant with infection control protocols in all aspects of the care process. Dental Laboratory Functions Pours and trims dental related stone models and fabricates bite rims. Constructs custom impression trays. Polishes dentures and other prosthetic appliances. Fabricates vacuum-formed stints, soft mouth guards and fluoride trays. Mount casts on articulators. Administrative/Clerical Duties Dispositions patients at the time that the patient presents for scheduling or calls to cancel and/or reschedule their appointment. Schedules patients within 14 days of the desired date. Accurately updates patient demographic data. Provided timely Dental Telephone Care/Triage and appropriately dispositions patients to a dentist when warranted. Dental Imaging Modifies settings to achieve the images as requested by provider. 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. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Proficient and demonstrates competency and the ability to set up Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) for all equipment, as applicable and instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPS standards. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory. Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination. Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPS standards. Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care. Employee Education Complies with Employee Education requirement. Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm 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"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
