Position are located within the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, at the Atlanta VA Healthcare System, in Atlanta, GA under the Dental Service. The Dental Assistant, performs a higher level, scope, complexity and variety of dental assisting duties representing the clinical assignment and applies advanced clinical skills. Performs the full range of duties for routine patient care, with indirect supervision from the Supervisory Dental Assistant, or the treating dentist.
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. 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. English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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). Grade Determinations: 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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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. Preferred Experience. Expanded Duty Dental Assistant References: VA Handbook 5005/46, Part II, Appendix G36, Dental Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs. or over). Moderate lifting (15-44 lbs.) Light lifting (15 lbs. and under). Light carrying (15 lbs. and under). Pushing (1 hour). Reaching above shoulder. Use of fingerprints. Both hands required. Walking (up to 4 hours). Standing (up to 8 hours). Kneeling (up to 2 hours). Repeated bending (up to 6 hours). Ability to rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Near vision correctable at 13" to 16". Hearing (aid permitted). Environmental Factors: Constant noise, dust, solvents (degreasing agents), radiant energy, electrical energy, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working around machinery with moving parts, working around moving objects or vehicles, working with hands in water, vibration, working closely with others.
Dental assistants at this level serve in staff dental assistant positions within the Atlanta VA Healthcare System, independently performing more complex work in assigned specialties while receiving general administrative supervision. Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Using the concepts of four-handed dentistry; assists with specialty procedures including oral surgery, periodontal therapy, endodontic, prosthodontics and implant placement and restoration. Anticipates surgeons/specialists' needs at each stage of treatment. Takes preliminary impression; selects and manipulates a variety of gypsums and waxes; pours, trims, and evaluate the quality of diagnostic casts; fabricates custom trays; Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories; Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records; Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients; Participates in patient identification and time out per requirements; Removes temporary crown/bridge and clean tooth preparation of debris; Provide post-operative and other appropriate patient education. Dental Imaging Performs Dental imaging, characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed; Utilizes Dental imaging safety techniques and retakes are minimized; Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. TMJ, ceph, cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formats. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories, surgery suites, and/or Operating Rooms; Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPS standards Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images Incumbent will complete all documentation in accordance with facility policy and is responsible for proper use, cleaning, and documentation of pertinent reusable medical equipment in accordance with medical center policies. Clerical Functions 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; Perform additional administrative and clerical duties assigned by the Chief of Dental Services; Timekeeping responsibility if assigned by the Chief of Dental Services. Information Management Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information; Follows computer security regulations. Patient Safety Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position); Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients; Participates in patient identification and time out per JCAHO requirements; Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress; Monitors patient (BP, pulse EKG, pulse oximeter), and condition during moderate sedation and during recovery period following procedure. Employee Education Complies with Employee Education requirements; Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions. Dental Laboratory Functions Pours impressions and prepares study models; Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims; Performs other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow; Takes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication; Remove temporary crown/bridge and clean tooth preparation of debris; Recement and fabricate temporary crowns; Coronal polishing of teeth; Place rubber dams and matrix bands; Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00am-3:30pm. Will be required to work rotating Saturdays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 55767F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.