Dental Assistant

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Durham VA Medical Center seeks a Dental Assistant to perform complex work in restorative, endodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, implantology and oral surgery. The incumbent will independently perform advanced duties with some independence in assigned specialties.

The role requires radiographic certification, U.S. citizenship, and the ability to work in a busy clinic using four-handed dentistry.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Public Law 97-35 radiologic credentialing standards met.
• Educational program in radiography must be accredited and certified.
• Proficient English (spoken and written).
• GS-6 level experience with four-handed dentistry and related duties.

Responsibilities

• Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedures.
• Passes instruments safely and efficiently during four-handed dentistry.
• Exposes standard and specialty dental imaging in traditional/digital formats.
• Maintains infection control procedures and sterilization standards.
• Assists in oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, implants and restorative care.
• Prepares impressions, casts, and dental laboratory orders.
• Documents patient records and coordinates with SPD for instrument availability.

Skills

Four-handed dentistry

Patient education

Infection control

Dental imaging awareness

Education

Radiography certification (DANB)

Tools

Digital dental imaging

Job description

Summary The Dental Assistant will be assigned at the Durham VA Medical Center. The incumbent will independently perform more complex work in disciplines such as restorative - endodontics - prosthodontics - periodontics - implantology and oral surgery.

Summary The Dental Assistant will be assigned at the Durham VA Medical Center. The incumbent will independently perform more complex work in disciplines such as restorative - endodontics - prosthodontics - periodontics - implantology and oral surgery. Qualifications Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States
• Certification: Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75
• 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
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English Grade Determination: GS-6 Dental Assistant One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level
• Assignment
• Employee serves at the full performance level with the ability to perform full range of duties with some independence in assigned specialties - with indirect supervision from the lead dental assistant - dental assistant supervisor or treating dentist
• Assignments at this level include - but are not limited to: using the concepts of four-handed dentistry
• assists with specialty procedures including oral surgery - periodontal therapy - endodontic - prosthodontic and implant placement and restoration
• anticipates surgeons/specialists needs at each stage of treatment
• takes preliminary impressions
• selects and manipulates a variety of gypsums and waxes
• pours - trims and evaluates the quality of diagnostic casts
• fabricates custom trays
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to identify normal oral anatomy
• (b) Advanced knowledge of instruments - materials - and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative - surgical - endodontic and periodontal care and procedures
• (c) Ability to monitor and perform basic interpretation of vital signs
• (d) Ability to independently provide procedure-specific patient education and appropriate referral of patient concerns to treating dentist
• (e) Ability to capture standard and special dental images of good diagnostic quality in traditional or digital formats
• (f) Ability to perform maintenance on dental equipment used for routine and specialty dentistry
• (g) Ability to enter and retrieve data utilizing electronic dental records
• (h) Ability to perform dental assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures
• Preferred Experience: 2 yrs of Experience - Radiography Certified - DA I or DA II DANB Certification Preferred - but not required
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• Shows courtesy - respect - and a positive attitude for patients - co-workers and the public Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns and service recovery Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite 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 Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols Assists in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistry Assists in specialized dental procedures - such as oral surgery - endodontics - periodontics - prosthodontics - implant placement and restoration Maintains both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standards Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e
• TMJ - ceph - cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formats Modifies settings to achieve the images as requested by the provider Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination Properly prepares instruments for transfer to SPD for sterilization Follows all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment Works closely with SPD to ensure availability of instruments so that clinical care is not delayed Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images Utilizes all proper PPE per national and local policies Follows all hospital infection control protocols including hand hygiene Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments Initiates computerized progress note Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records Locates/tracks all pending patient lab cases for use during patient appointments Properly completes all dental laboratory cards Monitors patient vital signs (BP - pulse - pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedure Applies topical anesthetic at the injection site and applies topical fluoride Makes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication Removes plaque and soft debris from removable prostheses Provides patient preventative education and oral hygiene instruction Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education Performs related duties as assigned Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00 am - 5:30 pm Telework: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required