The Lead Dental Assistant serves as a work leader to Dental Assistants, assists the Dental Service Supervisory Dentist and Staff Dentist in performing complex work of clinical and other administrative functions with limited supervisor.
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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only 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. 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. 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). 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. This is an above full performance grade level. 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). 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: Lead Dental Assistant GS-07Experience: At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: a. Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice, and demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants. b. Skill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignments. c. Ability to assist in dental program development, outcome management, and strategic planning. d. Skill in acting as liaison between staff dental assistants and the supervisor. e. Ability to provide professional oversight and consultation for staff dental assistants. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/46, PART II, APPENDIX G36 The full performance level of this vacancy is 07. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
As the Lead Dental Assistant, you will perform the following Major Duties: The Lead Dental Assistant at this level serves in lead position independently performing complex work with limited supervision in the Dental Clinic. Advanced knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) required by this position includes: maintain current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME appropriate to this position. The incumbent will be able to demonstrate their ability to utilize an acceptable proficiency in the use of RME appropriate to this position. The incumbent assists the Dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision; maintains Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification as required for an above full-performance level dental assisting position. Other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 0730 to 1600 ** Possible Rotating Saturdays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 08109-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized