There are five (5) Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) permanent Full-time positions, which are located in the Dental Department, PHS Indian Hospital, Whiteriver Service Unit, Whiteriver, Arizona. The incumbents will perform a wide range of reversible intra-oral procedures under the direction of the Dental Officer.. Incumbent direct supervisor is the Supervisory Dental Assistant.
Summary
There are five (5) Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) permanent Full-time positions, which are located in the Dental Department, PHS Indian Hospital, Whiteriver Service Unit, Whiteriver, Arizona. The incumbents will perform a wide range of reversible intra-oral procedures under the direction of the Dental Officer.. Incumbent direct supervisor is the Supervisory Dental Assistant.
The IHS is required by law to give absolute preference to qualified applicants who meet the Secretary of the Interior's definition of Indian for appointment to vacancies within the IHS in accordance with established IHS policy as outlined in the Indian Health Manual Part 7, Chapter 3. The IHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Receives and schedules patients for treatment in the dental clinic and operating room. Ascertains chief complaints and informs the dental. Obtains and records information related to medical and previous dental history of the patient; routes patients for medical tests and services when required. Given additional information to the patient as needed or deemed appropriate.
Records treatment and examination information on patients records; prepare consents forms. Obtains and records blood pressures and pulse when requested by dentist.
Provides dental prophylaxis, instructs the patient in the use of oral hygiene aids such as the toothbrush and other periodontal aids, provides fluoride treatment, and place dental sealants.
Correctly exposes, processes and mounts both intra and extra-oral dental radiographs, operating both panoramic and cephalometric units.
Takes preliminary impressions, modifying the impression tray as needed; pours and trims models from impressions: constructs base plates, bite rims, and custom impression trays.
Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
ESEP appointees typically serve a two year probationary period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these position have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.
Confidential Financial Disclosure Form required.
Measles and Rubella immunization required for selectees born after 1957. Seasonal Influenza immunization is required for civilian health care facility staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities.
COVID-19 vaccination is required for all selectees prior to entrance on duty.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.
A bank account at a financial institution is required for electronic direct deposit of salary payment.
Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process.
Fingerprinting, as part of the background investigation process, may be delayed due to COVID-19. All other background investigation procedures will apply. Be advised that your continued employment will require you to complete a fingerprint check within 60 days after notification of return to full operations and successfully obtaining a favorable background investigation.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
Individual Occupational Requirements
Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, they must (l) 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 (2) be certified as radiographers in their field. The following meet these requirements:
(1) Persons employed by the Federal Government as radiologic personnel prior to the effective date of the regulation (January 13, 1986) who show evidence of current or fully satisfactory performance or certification of such from a licensed practitioner such as a doctor of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, podiatry, or chiropractic who prescribes radiologic procedures to others.
(2) Persons first employed by the Federal Government as radiologic personnel after the effective date of the regulation who (a) received training from institutions in a State or foreign jurisdiction that did not accredit training in that particular field at the time of graduation, or (b) practiced in a State or foreign jurisdiction that did not license that particular field or did not allow special eligibility to take a licensure examination for those who did not graduate from an accredited educational program, provided such persons show evidence of training, experience, and competence, as determined by OPM or the employing agency.
In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, GS-0681-05:
Your resume must demonstrate at least 6 months of general experience AND 6 months of specialized experience. Specialized experience include prepares sterile trays and packs; provides chair-side assistance during general dentistry; passes instruments and materials to and retrieves them from the dentist; operates oral evacuator and suction tip to keep area of operation clear; operates dental X-ray equipment to take radiographs; and relays to patient post-treatment instructions from dentist.
OR
Successfully completed a 2-year dental assistant program or completed a 2-year dental hygiene program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Accreditation which included at least 12 semester hours of courses such as radiation physics; radiation biology; radiation health, safety and protection; x-ray films and radiographic film quality, radiographic techniques; darkroom and processing techniques; and film mounting.
OR
Possess a combination of education and experience that when combined fully meet the minimum qualifications for this position. The total percentage equals at least 100 percent to qualify for this GS-4 grade level.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, GS-0681-06:
Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Examples include: Responds to basic medical emergencies; takes/records vital signs; provides pre/post-operative instructions; maintains a field of operation during dental procedures-uses retraction, suction, irrigation, drying, placing/removing cotton rolls; uses four-handed dentistry concepts, assists with basic restorative methods; mixes basic dental materials; helps prepare laboratory prescription forms; applies pressure indicator paste to removable prostheses; exposes/processes basic dental radiographs; mounts/labels dental radiographs and/or saves digital imaging to electronic medical records; evaluates radiographs for diagnostic quality; maintains routine dental equipment per manufacturer and dental service standards.
OR
Successfully completed a full 4 year course of study in dental assistant or dental hygiene which included at least 24 semester hours in courses such as radiation physics; radiation biology; radiation health, safety and protection; x-ray films and radiographic film quality, radiographic techniques; darkroom and processing techniques; and film mounting.
OR
Possess a combination of education and experience that when combined fully meet the minimum qualifications for this position. The total percentage equals at least 100 percent to qualify for this GS-05 grade level.
Special Requirements for GS-5 and above Dental Assistant (Expanded Function):
Applicants for Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) positions must have completed l year of acceptable course work, preceptorship, or other formal training and/or work assignments specifically designed to equip them with knowledge and skills required to perform intra-oral procedures. Examples of acceptable training are:
Courses in a dental hygiene or dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Accreditation that are directly related to the intra-oral procedures (also referred to as expanded functions) that are to be performed in the position to be filled.
U.S. Army's Dental Therapy Assistant Training Program.
Continuing education courses in expanded functions for dental assistants offered by the Indian Health Service of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Other training comparable to the above in private or governmental hospitals, clinics, or schools that included formal classroom instruction and clinical training in the knowledge and skills required to perform intra-oral procedures in the position to be filled.
Time In Grade
Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).
This position has promotion potential to the GS-0681-06 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.
Education
This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.
Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation.
Per IHS policy (SGM 21-04) and E.O. 14043, IHS selectees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before entry on duty or have IHS approve a medical or religious exemption. If an exemption is approved then wearing a face mask is required. Regular testing for COVID-19 will be required for staff located in federally operated hospitals, health centers, and clinics. Your Human Resources Specialist will provide a list of documents acceptable as vaccination proof and instructions for submitting a request for a legally required exception, if needed.
Due to COVID-19, the agency is currently in a maximum telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to telework upon your appointment. As employees are permitted to return to the office, you may be required to report to the duty station listed on this announcement within 30 calendar days of receiving notice to do so, even if your home/temporary telework site is located outside the local commuting area. Your position may be eligible for workplace flexibilities which may include remote work or telework options, and/or flexible work scheduling. These flexibilities may be requested in accordance with the HHS Workplace Flexibilities policy.
Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit.
This position has promotion potential to the GS-06 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
To determine if you are qualified for this position, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against the qualifications as defined in the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement and your responses to the assessment questions.
You will be further evaluated/rated based on the information provided in your resume (your resume must state specific duties that relate to this position) and your responses to the assessment questions to determine your competency in the following.
Dental Instrument Application
Interpersonal Skills
Medical Documentation
Technical Competence
You will receive a numeric rating based on your responses to the assessment questionnaires. If after reviewing your resume and responses to the assessment questions, a determination is made that you have overstated your qualifications and or experience, you may lose consideration.
The following links below provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities. If you are a Veteran, qualified CTAP and ICTAP eligible, or an individual with a disability, please refer to the following links below for additional guidance. CTAP and ICTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a "well qualified" rating of 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Workforce Restructuring Career Transition website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. CTAP/ICTAP documentation requirements are listed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, annual salary, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number.
Required as applicable for the purposes of specific eligibility and appointment claim(s), and position requirements:
Indian Preference Applicants: If claiming Indian Preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the Form BIA-4432, "Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only." Indian preference will not be given unless a properly signed and dated form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA Official of tribal enrollment records. For detailed instructions, see form BIA-4432. Refer to BIA-4432 link: https://www.bia.gov/sites/bia.gov/files/assets/public/raca/online_forms/pdf/Expires-3-31-21_1076-0160_Verification-IP-Application_508.pdf. When an Indian Preference candidate possesses Veteran's Preference the rules regarding Veteran's Preference apply under ESEP and the applicant must provide documentation in order to receive preference.
Applicants Unable to Obtain a Completed BIA Form 4432 - We understand that some applicants with Indian Preference (IP) have been unable to obtain a signed BIA Form 4432 from their Tribes to demonstrate that they are enrolled Tribe members, since Tribal Government Offices have closed during this pandemic. Normally, applicants must provide this form at the time of application. However, the IHS will make an exception enabling applicants to provide the BIA Form 4432, Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) or other Tribal enrollment documentation after they apply. This will allow IHS hiring officials to select and bring the applicant on board without delay. The IHS HR Office effecting the hire shall flag the hire as on requiring the applicant to submit the necessary Tribal enrollment documentation at a later date. Once the COVID-19 period officially ends and full operations have been restored, IHS will require applicants to obtain and submit the signed, official Tribal enrollment form within 60 days. If the new employee fails to obtain the signed enrollment form, IHS will terminate the employee.
Veteran's Preference: If claiming Veteran's Preference provide a copy of your DD214 Form (Member 4 copy). To claim 10-Point Veteran's Preference, submit a SF-15 Application (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf) along with the appropriate supporting documentation. For additional information regarding Veteran's Preference visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov.
Current or former Federal employee: Include your most recent SF-50 or if Reinstatement eligible include your Career SF-50.
Noncompetitive eligible: Submit additional documents to prove your eligibility to apply to this vacancy.
Transcripts, Degrees, Licensure, Certifications: Copies of Transcripts (Official or Unofficial), Degrees, Licenses, and/or Certifications are not required at the time of application. Applicants must list their education history including the type of degree(s) and major of study, and completion or anticipated completion (month and year) on their resume. If a position requires a certain number of credit hours in specific course work for qualification purposes, applicants must submit a transcript (official/unofficial) or provide documentation/list the relevant courses on their resume.
Applicants Unable to Obtain Transcripts - In addition, applicants may have difficulty obtaining their transcripts from their university or college when they try to apply for a position that requires them. As with Tribal enrollment documents, the IHS will make an exception enabling applicants to provide the transcripts after they apply. This will allow IHS hiring officials to select and bring the applicant on board without delay. The IHS HR Office effecting the hire shall flag the hire as on requiring the applicant to submit the necessary transcripts within 60 days after the COVID-19 period officially ends. If the new employee fails to obtain the transcripts, IHS will terminate the employee.
You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 12/31/2021
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or supporting documents.
Read all Eligibility questions and respond accordingly. .
Complete the assessment questions.
Verify all required documentation is included in your application package.
The IHS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office (Debbie Standing, debbie.standing@ihs.gov, and/or (928) 338-3561). The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
White River Service Unit
PO Box 860
White River, AZ 85941
US
Next steps
You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJobs that your submission was successful once we have received your on-line occupational questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJobs Account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.
If all required documentation is not submitted with your application you will lose consideration. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information and documents entered, uploaded, or faxed are received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
~ ~ ~ Indian Health Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~ ~ ~
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, annual salary, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number.
Required as applicable for the purposes of specific eligibility and appointment claim(s), and position requirements:
Indian Preference Applicants: If claiming Indian Preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the Form BIA-4432, "Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only." Indian preference will not be given unless a properly signed and dated form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA Official of tribal enrollment records. For detailed instructions, see form BIA-4432. Refer to BIA-4432 link: https://www.bia.gov/sites/bia.gov/files/assets/public/raca/online_forms/pdf/Expires-3-31-21_1076-0160_Verification-IP-Application_508.pdf. When an Indian Preference candidate possesses Veteran's Preference the rules regarding Veteran's Preference apply under ESEP and the applicant must provide documentation in order to receive preference.
Applicants Unable to Obtain a Completed BIA Form 4432 - We understand that some applicants with Indian Preference (IP) have been unable to obtain a signed BIA Form 4432 from their Tribes to demonstrate that they are enrolled Tribe members, since Tribal Government Offices have closed during this pandemic. Normally, applicants must provide this form at the time of application. However, the IHS will make an exception enabling applicants to provide the BIA Form 4432, Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) or other Tribal enrollment documentation after they apply. This will allow IHS hiring officials to select and bring the applicant on board without delay. The IHS HR Office effecting the hire shall flag the hire as on requiring the applicant to submit the necessary Tribal enrollment documentation at a later date. Once the COVID-19 period officially ends and full operations have been restored, IHS will require applicants to obtain and submit the signed, official Tribal enrollment form within 60 days. If the new employee fails to obtain the signed enrollment form, IHS will terminate the employee.
Veteran's Preference: If claiming Veteran's Preference provide a copy of your DD214 Form (Member 4 copy). To claim 10-Point Veteran's Preference, submit a SF-15 Application (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf) along with the appropriate supporting documentation. For additional information regarding Veteran's Preference visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov.
Current or former Federal employee: Include your most recent SF-50 or if Reinstatement eligible include your Career SF-50.
Noncompetitive eligible: Submit additional documents to prove your eligibility to apply to this vacancy.
Transcripts, Degrees, Licensure, Certifications: Copies of Transcripts (Official or Unofficial), Degrees, Licenses, and/or Certifications are not required at the time of application. Applicants must list their education history including the type of degree(s) and major of study, and completion or anticipated completion (month and year) on their resume. If a position requires a certain number of credit hours in specific course work for qualification purposes, applicants must submit a transcript (official/unofficial) or provide documentation/list the relevant courses on their resume.
Applicants Unable to Obtain Transcripts - In addition, applicants may have difficulty obtaining their transcripts from their university or college when they try to apply for a position that requires them. As with Tribal enrollment documents, the IHS will make an exception enabling applicants to provide the transcripts after they apply. This will allow IHS hiring officials to select and bring the applicant on board without delay. The IHS HR Office effecting the hire shall flag the hire as on requiring the applicant to submit the necessary transcripts within 60 days after the COVID-19 period officially ends. If the new employee fails to obtain the transcripts, IHS will terminate the employee.
You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 12/31/2021
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or supporting documents.
Read all Eligibility questions and respond accordingly. .
Complete the assessment questions.
Verify all required documentation is included in your application package.
The IHS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office (Debbie Standing, debbie.standing@ihs.gov, and/or (928) 338-3561). The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
White River Service Unit
PO Box 860
White River, AZ 85941
US
Next steps
You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJobs that your submission was successful once we have received your on-line occupational questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJobs Account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.
If all required documentation is not submitted with your application you will lose consideration. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information and documents entered, uploaded, or faxed are received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
~ ~ ~ Indian Health Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~ ~ ~
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
