This Dental Assistant position is located at the Mayaguez Outpatient Clinic of the VA Caribbean Healthcare System, PR. The Dental Assistant serves at the full performance level with the ability to perform full range of duties with some independence in assigned specialties, with indirect supervision from the lead dental assistant, dental assistant supervisor or treating dentist. 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 Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may 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 VA guidelines. Experience and/or 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). OR, Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. Certifications. Dental Radiographer Certification. Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, you 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 your 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 in basic life support methods is highly desirable.*** Grade Determination GS-06 Dental Assistant Specialized Experience. At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-05) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. KSAs at the GS-05 grade level are: Knowledge of anatomy and ability to evaluate diagnostic quality. Broad knowledge of common medical emergencies and vital signs measurement. Basic knowledge of instruments, materials and standardized dental procedures . Ability to learn and utilize software programs used within VHA. Basic communication skills to provide patient instructions according to established protocol. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) -GS-06. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: 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. Ability to perform dental assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures. Selective Placement Factor: Must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish language. Physical Requirements: Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. ["Dental assistants at this level serve in staff Dental Assistant positions independently performing more complex work in assigned specialties while receiving general administrative supervision. The Dental Assistant assists the Dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. Responsibilities include but not limited to: Provides the veteran with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the veteran constructively and appropriately. Relationships with management, co-workers, patients, and the general public are consistently courteous, respectful, and cooperative in nature. Assists dentist at chair side as anticipated or required in all phases of restorative, surgical prosthodontic, endodontic, periodontic and oral surgery treatment of medically compromised patients with comprehensive dentistry. Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. Monitors patient (BP, pulse EKG, pulse oximeter), and during sedation and recovery period. Sets up operatory or surgery suite for planned dental procedure, 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 medications and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions. Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols. Assists in specialized dental procedures, e.g. oral maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, periodontics, maxillofacial Prosthodontist (consists of significant scope complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.) Assist in the placement of dental implants by providing working knowledge of the assisting techniques involved in implant therapy. Dental Assistants at this level serve in staff dental positions independently performing more complex work in assigned specialties. Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed. Operates dental X-rays and digital equipment to take intra oral and panoramic radiographs following all established radiation safety protection measures. Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized. Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame. Follows manufacturer's recommendations and Reusable Medical Equipment (RME), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding equipment use and processing (critical, semi-critical and non-critical items.) Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories. Decontaminates all dental operatory surfaces with chemical solutions after each patient is treated following universal precautions procedures. Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPS standards (critical, semi-critical and non-critical.) Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images. Follows manufacturer's recommendations and Reusable Medical Equipment (RME), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding equipment use and processing (critical, semi-critical and non-critical items). 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 and treatment plans in patient records using Dental Record Manager Plus. Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information. Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy. Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday- 7:30AM-4:00PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:61771F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]

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