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.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/30/2025. 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 in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Experience and Education: (1) Experience. Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides familiarity with the work. OR, (2) Education. Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). OR, (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. Certification. Public Law requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures 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 by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes DANB as the national certification for Dental Assistants. (Proof of certification is required). In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must meet the following requirements. Grade Determinations: GS-8 Senior Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant or Supervisory Dental Assistant. At this level, dental assistants serve either as a Senior Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant or Supervisory Dental Assistant. For all positions above the full performance level, duties must be assigned to the position at least 25% of the time. (b) GS-8 Supervisory Dental Assistant 1. Experience 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 and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: a. Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice, and the demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants. b. Skill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignments. c. Ability to assist the Chief in Dental Clinic operations related to policy development, equipment requests and workload analysis. d. Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative work relationships. e. Ability to analyze clinically appropriate data effectively to optimize quality, performance, and productivity within section. f. *Ability to perform supervisory functions such as assessing competency, providing performance appraisals and managing training. Assignment. 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. They have full supervisory responsibility over a section or equivalent work unit which would require three or more dental assistants. Typical duties include: making work assignments, monitoring of staff dental assistant clinical performance, conducting performance appraisals, and other clinical and administrative responsibilities as assigned by the Service Chief to ensure that the mission of the service and the medical center has been satisfied]. DANB Certification: Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is required at this grade level. (Provide proof) References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G36 Hybrid 38 Dental Assistant Qualifications Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: Long standing, sitting, and lifting 22 lbs. or greater. Bending and reaching is required to provide treatment of patients. Bending is required when removing supplies from cabinets or replenishing supplies in cabinets.
Supervisory duties: Duties listed in this section (a) comprise at least 25% of the supervisor's dental assistant's time. Supervises a team of employees performing at the GS-8 level or below. Providesguidance and technical direction necessary for accomplishing the work of the team. Serves as a work leader, assuring the work assignments of employees in the unit are carried out. Coordinates daily dental assistant work assignments at the start of the shift and throughout the day as the need arises. Monitors the status and progress of work and makes adjustment in accordance with established priorities. Serves as Systems Redesign Coordinator. Obtains assistance fromthe supervisor as needed for major issues or problems which arise. Checks work in progress to see that the supervisor's instructions have been met. Instructs employees in specific tasks and job techniques. Trains employees (dentist, dental residents, and dental assistants) in computerized dental patient record systems including generating patient consults, storing, and viewing digital images, entry of diagnostic data and preparation of treatment planning. Trains team members, students, and volunteers in the accomplishment of tasks or projects. Maintains current knowledge and answers questions from team members on procedures, policies, and directives. Organizes and maintains Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Provides input in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the dental staff for Reusable Medical Equipment. Trains dental staff in SOPs and reports noncompliance to supervisor Participates in the management of dental supplies to assure adequate stock levels and appropriate storage. Serves as a liaison between the scheduler and the dentist to maintain efficient and productive use of the dentists' patient care time and minimize missed opportunities. Makes written instructions, reference materials, and relevant background material available. Obtains needed information on decisions from the supervisor on major issues and problems that arise. Reports to the supervisor on individual performance, progress, and training needs of employees, and on performance problems Makes recommendations to supervisor as requested concerning promotions, reassignments, recognitions of performance and personnel needs. Maintains the dental station and treatment area in a clean and operational condition. Assures that the dental treatment area is set up and shut down each workday to maintain security of the clinic area and dental equipment. Delegates these duties as necessary. Monitors function of dental equipment and requests repair or replacement. Prepares electronic work orders and monitors completion. Organizes and orders supplies as needed from all dentists and other dental assistants, following proper protocol, and using inventory to assure "just right" amounts are keep in clinic. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 7:am -to 4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:30477-F