Summary
Supervisory Dental Assistants provide assistance to dentists, dental hygienists, and expanded function dental auxiliaries (EFDA) to deliver dental services to the veteran population enrolled at the VA Northern California Healthcare System.
Qualifications
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.
- Education and/or Experience: Experience
- Six months experience demonstrating the ability to perform the work or 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: Must meet credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, including successful completion of an educational program meeting or exceeding those standards and certification as radiographers.
- Provisions for Certification of Radiologic Competence: Completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), or equivalent courses and examinations.
- Note: For positions GS-7 and above, DANB certification is required.
- Additional qualifications include being covered by the Grandfathering Provision if applicable.
Grade Determinations:
- GS-8 Supervisory Dental Assistant: At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level demonstrating core competencies, with additional KSAs including advanced knowledge of dental assisting, supervisory skills, and ability to coordinate clinical workflow and policy development.
Preferred Experience: 2 years of supervisory experience.
References: VA Handbook 5005/46, Part II, Appendix G36. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Duties
- Chart findings and treatment plans in Dental Record Manager.
- Complete electronic return to clinic orders using the Computerized Patient Record System.
- Supervise other dental assistants and staff with technical responsibilities.
- Prepare dental materials and perform intra-operative procedures in compliance with infection control protocols.
- Pour and trim dental stone models, fabricate bite rims, and construct custom impression trays.
- Detect signs of patient distress and monitor throughout treatment.
- Prepare the operatory with necessary equipment, materials, and supplies.
- Work with Prosthetics for ordering, storing, and tracking dental implant parts and biologics.
- Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, with no telework or virtual options.
- Functional Statement #: 03433F. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.