The Dental Assistant will assist the dentist in all aspects of direct patient care and perform other clinical and clerical functions with little or no supervision from the dentist, lead dental assistant, or supervisor. Basic Requirements: Citizen of the United States. Be a United States citizen. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part. English Language Proficiency. Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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 of Radiologic Competence (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). Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable. 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, and is required for all positions above the full performance level. Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Dental Assistant GS-6 (Full Performance Level): Experience: At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: 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 formats. 6. 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. Preferred Experience: Experience in General Dentistry, endodontics, oral surgery and implants. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/46 PART II APPENDIX G36 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. ["If you are a permanent, current federal employee, apply to CBST-12485770-24-LS. Duties include but are not limited to: Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery. Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedures and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Passes instruments safely, accurately and efficiently. Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions. Exposures both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. TMJ, ceph, cone beam) in digital format. Modifies settings to achieve images requested by the provider. Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories. Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination. Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments. Initiates computerized progress note. Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient record. Pours impressions and prepares study models. Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims. Fabricates athletic mouth guards and bleaching trays. Performs other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allowed. Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 01006-F 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. VA health care teams are deeply experienced and guided by the needs of Veterans, their families, and caregivers. Our medical center provides primary care and specialty health services, including cardiology, mental health care, treatment for spinal cord injuries and disorders, suicide prevention, women’s health services, and more.
The Grand Junction VA Medical Center services those who serve our country providing critical medical services including acute and chronic inpatient and outpatient care. The facility consists of 53-bed capabilities for surgical procedures, specialty care, psychiatric in/outpatient services, as well as a Community Living Center, and social programs and services. The service area encompasses western Colorado and eastern Utah regions and includes the primary VAMC plus four satellite clinics.