Dental Assistant - Department of Veterans Affairs : Job Details

SummaryThe Oklahoma City VA Healthcare System, Dental Service, is currently recruiting two (2) Dental Assistants for the Lawton VA Clinic.This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until December 31, 2024 or until all positions are filled.Learn more about this agencyHelpOverview* Accepting applications* Open & closing dates10/10/2024 to 12/31/2024* Salary$35,499 - $60,344 per year* Pay scale & gradeGS 00* HelpLocation2 vacancies in the following location:* Lawton, OK* Remote jobNo* Telework eligibleNo* Travel RequiredNot required* Relocation expenses reimbursedNo* Appointment typePermanent* Work scheduleFull-time* ServiceExcepted* Promotion potentialNone* Job family (Series)* 0681 Dental Assistant* Supervisory statusNo* Security clearanceNot Required* Drug testYes* Position sensitivity and riskNon-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk* Trust determination process* Credentialing* Suitability/Fitness* Financial disclosureNo* Bargaining unit statusYes* Announcement numberCBSU-12574984-25-TDG* Control number813783200HelpThis job is open to* Federal employees - Competitive serviceCurrent or former competitive service federal employees.* Federal employees - Excepted serviceCurrent excepted service federal employees.* Internal to an agencyCurrent federal employees of this agency.Clarification from the agencyOpen to current permanent Veterans Health Administration employees and current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.Help This job is also open in another announcement to:* The publicHelp This job is also open in another announcement to:* The publicVideosHelpDuties* Prepares operatories receives, seats, and drapes patients for treatment in the dental clinic.* Obtain and record the vital signs of the patient.* Obtains and records information related to the medical and dental history of the patient.* Records treatment and examination information on patient records.* Assists general dentists, periodontists, endodontists, prosthodontists, and Oral surgeons with different procedures including sedation if needed.* Provides chairside assistance at least 25% of time spent in specialized dentistry as required, anticipating the dentist's need for various instruments, materials, and services.* Prepares consent forms for surgery and anesthesia.* Prepares prescriptions for the signature of the dentist.* Routes patients for medical tests and services when required.* Packages tissue specimens and routes to the pathology laboratory.* Responds to basic medical emergencies. Maintains a current CPR certification.* The dental assistant maintains routine dental equipment per manufacturer and dental service standards.* The dental assistant performs daily preventive maintenance of dental instruments, equipment, and accessories to ensure proper functioning, increase longevity, and proper delivery of dental care.* The dental assistant is to be a team builder. Demonstrate patience and tact in dealing with patients and co-workers to maintain effective working relations.* The dental assistant will treat patients and co-workers respectfully to maintain a professional working environment.* The dental assistant schedules outpatient clinic appointments using Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VistA) scheduling options, and uses established business rules to schedule appointments for Veterans, this includes clinic visits, consultations, and entries into the Electronic Wait List (EWL), Complies with the mandatory framing requirements for the outpatient scheduling process.* Request specific supplies when needed. Maintain a sufficient inventory of supplies and accessories to ensure proper operation of the dental clinic. Rocky Mountain Network Human Resources Title 38/Hybrid Title 38 Functional Statement* Operates dental X-ray equipment to expose intra- and extra-oral radiographs. Exposes and processes dental radiographs and saves digital imaging to electronic medical records; evaluates radiographs' diagnostic quality* The dental assistant will be familiar with and follow hospital infection control policies.* The dental assistant is to be knowledgeable of infection control protocols for dental instruments, equipment, and accessories to ensure a safe work environment, minimize cross-contamination, and provide a high level of infection control.* Relays to patient instructions from the dentist for all types of post-treatment care including specialized instructions for post-surgery patients. Provides oral hygiene instruction in the common causes of decay, brushing and flossing techniques, and care of orthodontic appliances.* Takes preliminary impressions; pours and trims models from impressions; constructs baseplates and bite rims fabricates custom trays, assists in preparation of laboratory prescriptions forms; applies pressure indicator paste to removable prostheses. Evaluate the quality of the diagnostic cast. Selects and manipulates a variety of gypsums and waxes.* Decontaminates non-critical medical supplies and equipment used in any setting where patient care is provided (excluding equipment and supplies that require specialized cleaning procedures per the manufacturer). Determines and uses the appropriate methods for removing gross contamination and providing effective cleaning between patient use of non-critical reusable medical equipment and supplies based on the direction provided in the Reusable Medical Equipment Medical Center Memorandum.Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pmTelework: Not availableVirtual: This is not a virtual position.Functional Statement #: 635-53407-A, 635-53408-A, 635-53409-A, 635-53410-AHelpRequirementsConditions 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.QualificationsApplicants 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.* Experience and 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).* 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).* 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.* English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.Dental Assistant, GS-3* Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.Dental Assistant, GS-4* Experience or Education. In addition to the basic requirements, 1 year of experience at the next lower level, OR 2 years of education above high school that included completion of a dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on [Dental] Accreditation (CODA).* AND-In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:* Basic knowledge of infection control and safe instrument handling.* Basic knowledge of dental procedures and [medical emergencies.* Ability to perform basic radiographic image capture and processing/retrieval.* Basic knowledge of maintenance, care and storage of dental equipment.* Basic knowledge of patient privacy requirements.Dental Assistant, GS-5* Experience or Education. In addition to the requirements listed at GS-4 above, applicants must demonstrate at least 1 year of experience equivalent to at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level, OR Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study that included or was supplemented by completion of a dental assistant program by CODA.* AND-In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:* Knowledge of anatomy and [ability to evaluate diagnostic quality.* Broad knowledge of common medical emergencies and vital signs measurement.* Basic knowledge of instruments, materials and standardized dental procedures* Ability to learn and utilize software programs used within VHA.* Basic communication skills to provide patient instructions according to established protocol.Staff Dental Assistant, 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.* AND-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 proceduresReference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6.Physical Requirements: Light carrying under 15 pounds, Reaching above shoulder, Both hands required, Walking/standing 8-10 hours, Repeated bending, Both legs required, Specific visual requirements (small details), The ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, Both eyes required, Depth perception, Ability to distinguish colors, Hear.EducationIMPORTANT: 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: 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: informationDuring 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.Read more* BenefitsHelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility.2. Current permanent VHA employees.3. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.