Summary The Primary Purpose of the Position is: The GS-7 staff Lead Dental assistant provide guidance to the Dental Assistants assigned to Dental Outpatient Clinic. In general, the Lead Dental Assistant recognizes the needs of the Dental Service and its Staff and rapidly provides the services required. Has the technical skills to provide support in general dentistry and all dental specialty disciplines. Responsibilities Duties are but not limited to: Coordinating work schedules in collaboration with the Supervisory Dental Assistant, taking into consideration priorities for care and urgency of need to maintain maximum efficiency and productivity of the clinic. Monitors the dental appointment process for patient's dental care and checks that patients are seen within a time frame that is acceptable. A. Customer Service: - Distributes and balances the workload among employees in accordance with established work flow or job specialization, assure timely accomplishment of the assigned workload while keeping in touch with the status and progress of work and make day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities, obtaining assistance from the supervisor on problems that may arise, such as backlogs which cannot be disposed of promptly. - Instructs employees in specific tasks and job techniques and makes available written instructions, reference materials and supplies. Provides direction for on the job training to new employees in accordance with established procedures and practices. Maintains a current knowledge and answers questions of other employees on procedures, policies, directives, handbooks etc. Refers to a supervisor concerning questions or matters not covered by standards and problems in meeting performance standards. - Instructs employees in specific tasks and job techniques and makes available written instructions, reference materials and supplies. Provides direction for on the job training to new employees in accordance with established procedures and practices. Maintains a current knowledge and answers questions of other employees on procedures, policies, directives, handbooks etc. Refers to a supervisor concerning questions or matters not covered by standards and problems in meeting performance standards. B. Chair Side Assisting: The Lead Dental Assistant performs a variety of intra-oral procedures that require consideration of detailed aspects of each patient's head, neck, and dental anatomy. Chair-side duties include - suctioning, protection of the patient's airway, selection of instrumentation for the Dentist, retraction of tissue, suture removal, preparation and placement of dental materials, placement of wound dressing, irrigation, patient positioning, etc. Maintains both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standards. - Incumbent sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover, passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently, keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably. C. Dental Imaging: - Performs dental imaging which consists of, taking digital and/or conventional radiographs of inpatients and outpatients according to prescription, including periapical, bitewing, occlusal, panoramic, cephalometric, and temporomandibular joint tomography. Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed. Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized, and imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame. D. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization: - Incumbent monitors working conditions such as seating, ventilation, lighting, safety, etc., assist supervisor with simple resolutions and informal complaints of employees. Also monitors adequate function of equipment such as dosimeters, eye wash stations, dental material, x-rays, etc. - Responsible for Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization by demonstrating proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories as well as safety procedures in exposing images. Ensures instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards and in a manner that does not delay clinical care. E. Clerical and Administrative Functions: - Reports to supervisor on performance, progress, and training needs of employees, as well as behavior problem(s) and provides information to the supervisor as requested concerning promotions, reassignments, recognition of outstanding performance, and personnel needs. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 7:30am- 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications 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/or Education: You must have six months experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the work, or provides familiarity with the work. OR, Successful completion of a I-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on [Dental] Accreditation [(CODA)]. 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). Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification of radiologic competence may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate dental assistant under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405 (a) (1) (D). Failure to obtain certification during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. This [will result in removal from the GS-681 series and] may result in termination of employment. 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. Grandfathering: 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). All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements 2 for the title, series and grade held, including [ ] certification [(for positions above the full performance level)] that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it Grade Determinations: At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. The demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's) at the GS-6 level are: 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: 3-5 years of dental assistant experience Advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standard dental procedures used in dental procedures. Ability to monitor and perform basis 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 enter and retrieve data utilizing electronic dental records. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's): in addition to at least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level or equivalent that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: 1. Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice, and demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants. 2. Skill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignments. 3. Ability to assist in dental program development, outcome management, and strategic planning. 4. Skill in acting as liaison between staff dental assistants and the supervisor. 5. Ability to provide professional oversight and consultation for staff dental assistants Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: The work ls primarily standing, although there are periods of sitting and some slight physical efforts may be required. However, there may be some walking, bending, and carrying of light items. Use of fingers and both hands are required. Hearing (aid permitted) Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Accreditation Information: Please site specific the accreditation information from the qualification standards or use the generic description for all others. Example - Sample for LPMHC: The master's or doctoral degree must be fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Verification of accreditation may be made obtained from http://www.cacrep.org/directory/. NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. NOTE: If your school was accredited by at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.