Career Center

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. The employee has full supervisory responsibility over a section or equivalent work unit which requires three or more dental assistants. 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 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. 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).] 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: GS-08 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice, and the demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants. Skill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignments. Ability to assist the Chief in Dental Clinic operations related to policy development, equipment requests and workload analysis. Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative work relationships. Ability to analyze clinically appropriate data effectively to optimize quality, performance, and productivity within section. 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. Preferred Experience: Expanded functions Dental Assistant, Certified Dental Assistant, VA experience, Adult/Geriatric patient care experience, Supervisory Experience ["Uses advanced knowledge of dental-assisting principles in multiple areas of practice for providing guidance to staff dental assistants; Coordinates clinical workflow and assignments; Assists Dental Service Chief in dental clinic operations (e.g. policy development, equipment requests and workload analysis); Establishes and maintains effective cooperative work relationships; Effectively analyzes clinically appropriate data to optimize quality, performance, and productivity within section; Assesses dental assistant competencies; Provides performance appraisals; Manages training of dental assistants. Performs supragingival scaling; Applies pit and fissure sealants; Places liners and bases; Adjusts removable prostheses; Performs tasks defined by state credentialing boards; Responsible for imaging quality control program (troubleshoots and makes appropriate referrals for identified imaging issues); Assists in developing equipment requests and justifications based on workload analysis. Work Schedule: Monday through Thursday 0730-1700, Friday 0730-1600 with every other Friday off\nCompressed/Flexible: Compressed\nTelework: Not available\nFunctional Statement #: Supervisory Dental Assistant\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]