Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results

Lead Dental Assistant

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Veterans Health Administration
This job announcement has closed

Summary

The Phoenix VA Health Care System is recruiting for a Lead Dental Assistant, in the Dental service. The Lead Dental Assistant Works with the Dental Assistant supervisor or Service Chief to monitor and make work assignments, provide input on performance, resolve daily workplace issues, and maintain efficient flow of patient care. Assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independent of direct supervision.

Overview

Help
Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
10/29/2024 to 11/12/2024
Salary
$51,207 to - $66,570 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 7
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Phoenix, AZ
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
CBSX-12590903-25-MT
Control number
816265200

This job is open to

Help

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to current, permanent VA employees. Applicants will be referred in the following order: 1) Phoenix VA employees *Please make sure to submit a current SF-50 to verify the area of consideration is met*

Videos

Duties

Help

The Lead Dental Assistant assists the Dental Assistant supervisor or Service Chief to monitor and make work assignments, provide input on performance, resolve daily workplace issues, and maintain efficient flow of patient care. The major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Assures the work assignments of employees in the unit are carried out.
  • Coordinates daily dental assistant work assignments at the start of the shift, and throughout the day as the need arises.
  • Serves as Systems Redesign Coordinator.
  • Trains employees (dentist, dental residents, and dental assistants) in computerized dental patient record systems including generating patient consults, storing and viewing digital images, entry of diagnostic data, and preparation of treatment planning.
  • Provides input in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the dental staff for Reusable Medical Equipment.
  • Participates in the management of dental supplies to assure adequate stock levels and appropriate storage.
  • Serves as a liaison between the scheduler and the dentist to maintain efficient and productive use of the dentists' patient care time and minimize missed opportunities.
  • Reports to the supervisor on individual performance, progress, and training needs of employees, and on performance problems.
  • Maintains the dental station and treatment area in a clean and operational condition.
  • Monitors function of dental equipment and requests repair or replacement.
  • Assists in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistry.
  • Sets up operatory and surgery suites for planned dental procedure, and cleans dental unit for timely turnover.
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Title/Functional Statement #:Lead Dental Assistant
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
  • All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • Subject to a background/security investigation.
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
  • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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 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 by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes DANB as the national certification for Dental Assistants. DANB certification is required for all positions above the full performance level. This is an above full performance grade level.
  • 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).
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:

Lead Dental Assistant GS-07

Experience: At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs:
  • Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice, and demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants.
  • Skill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignments.
  • Ability to assist in dental program development, outcome management, and strategic planning.
  • Skill in acting as liaison between staff dental assistants and the supervisor.
  • 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.


Preferred Experience. An applicant with three (3) to five (5) years experience working in any Dental specialty field (Oral Surgery, Periodontal, Endodontics), and logistic experience, is highly desirable.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G36

Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); walking (2 hours); standing (2 hours); repeated bending (2 hours); near vision corrected to 13" to 16"; far vision correctable in on eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other; and hearing (aid permitted).

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.