This position is located in Dental Service at the Aleda Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan. The Supervisory Dental Assistant is responsible for the supervision, administrative management, and direction of dental assistants. The incumbent may be delegated full administrative and professional responsibility for planning and directing the dental assisting activities for the service or equivalent unit at an independent outpatient clinic.
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). Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certification. The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes DANB as the national certification for Dental Assistants. DANB certification it is required for all Supervisory Dental Assistants. Loss of Credential. Management officials will remove dental assistants from their positions who fail to maintain the required licensure/certification, which may also result in termination of employment. 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-08 Supervisory Dental Assistant Specialized Experience. At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-07) that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. KSAs at the GS-07 grade level are: Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice, and demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants. Skill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignments. Ability to assist in dental program development, outcome management, and strategic planning. Skill in acting as liaison between staff dental assistants and the supervisor. Ability to provide professional oversight and consultation for staff dental assistants. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) GS-08. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*) Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice, and the demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants. Skill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignments. Ability to assist the Chief in Dental Clinic operations related to policy development, equipment requests and workload analysis. Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative work relationships. Ability to analyze clinically appropriate data effectively to optimize quality, performance, and productivity within section. *Ability to perform supervisory functions such as assessing competency, providing performance appraisals and managing training. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently to move objects. This could include moving objects such as pieces of equipment and assistance in moving clients.
Duties include, but may not be limited to the following: Responsible for the supervision, administrative management, and direction of dental assistants. May be delegated full administrative and professional responsibility for planning and directing the dental assisting activities for the service or equivalent unit at an independent outpatient clinic. Has full supervisory responsibility over a section or equivalent work unit which would require three or more dental assistants. Assists the Dental Service Chief in clinic operations related to policy and performance standards development, equipment requests and workload analysis. Will analyze clinically appropriate data to effectively optimize quality, performance, and productivity within the section. Coordinates clinical workflow and makes work assignments, hears and resolves employee complaints and workplace issues, and maintain efficient flow of patient care. Develops and provides training to staff dental assistants, students and/or trainees. Performs supervisory functions such as assessing competency, providing performance appraisals and managing training. Approves periods of leave; recommends special advancements and promotions, disciplinary actions, etc. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis. Establishes and maintains effective and cooperative work relationships within the dental service and the facility. Tasks are completed and good working relationships among team members and with management are maintained. Team priorities and goals, needs, and achievements are coordinated with management. Serves in staff dental assistant positions independently performing more complex work in assigned specialties in supervisory dental assistant positions. Must maintain current Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification. Assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independent of direct supervision. Receives and prepares patients for dental treatment and assists the dentist at chairside, bedside or in the operating room. Supervises a team of employees performing at the GS-8 level or below. Provides guidance and technical direction necessary for accomplishing the work of the team. Assures compliance with VA policies and clinic policies and SOP's. Plan and assigns work and makes adjustment in accordance with established priorities. Sets and adjusts short-term priorities. Approves leave for subordinates. Evaluates the performance, progress, and training needs of subordinate employees Prepares performance appraisals and performance improvement plans when problems are identified. Issues minor disciplinary actions, such as warning and reprimands. Recommends other action in more serious cases. Interviews candidates for dental assistant positions, recommends appointment, promotion, or reassignment. Recommends awards or recognitions of performance. Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday - Friday, 08:00am - 4:30pm Telework: May be available on an ad hoc basis. Functional Statement #: 927770 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized