The Muskogee/Tulsa VA Medical Center is currently recruiting for a Dental Assistant, Lead - Expanded Function position. This position will work out of the Tulsa VHA Facility. A recruitment Incentive has been authorized for this recruitment. To qualify for this announcement, you must meet all the requirement by the closing date:03/20/2023 BASIC REQUIREMENTS Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) English Language Proficiency. Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English 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). 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. GRADE REQUIREMENTS In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Grade Determination GS-7:Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. INSTRUCTIONS: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities a. Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice and demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants. b. Skill in coordinating clinical workflow and assignments. c. Ability to assist in dental program development, outcome management, and strategic planning. d. Skill in acting as liaison between staff dental assistants and the supervisor. e. Ability to provide professional oversight and consultation for staff dental assistants Assignment. The Lead Dental Assistant works with the supervisor or Chief Dental Service to monitor and make work assignments, provide input on performance, resolve daily workplace issues, and maintain efficient flow of patient care; may approve brief periods of leave, provide training to staff dental assistants, students and/or trainees; may recommend special advancements and promotions, disciplinary actions, etc. Assignments at this level include but are not limited to: provides instruction to other assistants in achieving diagnostic quality radiographs, provides instruction in maintenance of all dental service equipment, provides primary support to the chief for the daily delivery of department programs, reporting, staffing and scheduling, coordinates the patients' care plans to reduce redundancies and delay in patient treatment. Lead Dental Assistants generally would be found in Complexity Level 1 (High Complexity) or Complexity Level 2 (Medium Complexity) facilities, or in facilities of lesser complexity levels where large dental services are found. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis. The full performance level of this announcement is a GS-07. Physical Requirement: Able to meet the physical demands for the position, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Must have a good manual dexterity. Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken or written word. Must be able to view and read information on computer screens. ["Major Duties and Responsibilities: Dental assistant at this level serves in lead position independently performing complex work with limited supervision in the dental clinic. Advanced knowledge of OSHA standards required, and ability to lead less experienced dental assistants as necessary. The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. The Lead Dental Assistant receives and prepares patients for dental treatment and assists the dentist at chairside or in the operating room. Assignment includes advanced understanding and use of the computerized record system. The Lead Dental Assistant facilitates team or unit processes by working collaboratively with team members or employees to ensure that tasks are completed, that good working relationships among team members and with management are maintained, and that team priorities and goals, needs, and achievements are coordinated with management. Expanded Function Duties: (Must comprise at least 25% of the incumbent's workload.) Customer Service Chairside Assisting Dental Imaging Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Clerical Functions Information Management Patient Safety Employee Education Dental Laboratory Functions Direct Patient Care Work Schedule: FT, Monday-Friday 7:00a- 5:30p (Hours and days off will be discussed at time of interview depending on the needs of the service). Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 51289-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
