Dental Assistant

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Providence VA Medical Center is seeking a Dental Assistant to join the Dental Service in Providence, RI. The role is full-time (40 hours per week) and involves supporting clinical operations, radiographic procedures, and patient care.

Requirements include U.S. citizenship, English proficiency, and CODA-accredited dental assistant training. Certification in radiologic competence is desirable, with potential for temporary appointments under certain

Qualifications

• Six months experience demonstrating ability to perform the work or familiarity with the work.
• Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by CODA.

Responsibilities

• Maintain infection control and safe instrument handling.
• Perform basic radiographic image capture and processing/retrieval.
• Assist in dental procedures and provide patient instructions.

Skills

Infection control

Radiographic image capture

Patient privacy

Dental procedures

Communication skills

Education

CODA-accredited dental assistant program

Tools

Dental radiography equipment

Job description

This announcement is for a Dental Assistant in the Dental service, located at the Providence VA Medical Center in Providence RI. This position is full time/40 hours a week.

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. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7402(d).

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 2 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 (GS-06). 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-03

Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-04

Experience or Education. In addition to the basic requirements, 1 year of experience at the next lower level (GS-03), 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).

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• 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.

GS-05

Experience or Education. In addition to the requirements listed at GS4 above, applicants must demonstrate at least 1 year of experience equivalent to at the next lower grade level (GS04) 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.

In addition, the applicant must demonstrate the following KSA's:

• 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.

GS-06

Experience. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS05) that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. In addition, the candidate m