Summary The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care. Independently performs various routines, and occasionally complex, clinical and clerical functions without direct supervision. Responsibilities Prepares the dental operatory and selects instruments for planned dental procedures and disinfects 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 medications and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions Accomplishes all intra operative procedures within standard infection control protocols Assists in routine and complex general dental procedures Assists in routine and complex general dental procedures Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics Performs simple expanded functions when directed or as prescribed by the supervising dentist Assists in the OR when basic and moderately complex dental cases require that setting Responsible for utilizing dental imaging techniques and minimizing retakes Performs imaging requests within the desired timeframe Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images Properly prepares instruments for sterilization by SPD standards Assists patients in scheduling appointments and coordinates with MSA's and clinical staff to schedule patients efficiently and effectively Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments Serves as primary triage contact for clinic Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records Assists with supply inventory management and ordering/requesting Performs impressions for diagnostic casts and prosthetic fabrication Removes temporary crown/bridge and cleans tooth preparation of debris Places rubber dams and matrix bands Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education Sets up instruments, equipment and materials or ensures that they are present and properly arranged in operating room in accordance with requirements for sterility Scrubs in and assists in complex operating room cases, when needed Work Schedule: Compressed/Flexible, Monday-Thursday 6:45am-4:15pm, Friday 6:45am - 3:15pm, Monday - Thursday 6:45am - 4:15pm Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States. Certification: Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. 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. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English Grade Determination: GS-6 Dental Assistant One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to identify normal oral anatomy. (b) Advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative, surgical, endodontic and periodontal care and procedures. (c) Ability to monitor and perform basic interpretation of vital signs. (d) Ability to independently provide procedure-specific patient education and appropriate referral of patient concerns to treating dentist. (e) Ability to capture standard and special dental images of good diagnostic quality in traditional or digital formats. (f) Ability to perform maintenance on dental equipment used for routine and specialty dentistry. (g) Ability to enter and retrieve data utilizing electronic dental records. (h) Ability to perform dental assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures. DANB Certification Preferred, but not required. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. References: VA Handbook 5005/46 Part II Appendix G36 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.