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Dental Assistant - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
VA Black Hills Health Care System
This job announcement has closed

Summary

The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision.

**This is an Open Continuous Announcement. The first review/referral of applications will occur 15 business days after the opening of this announcement; after this date applicants will be reviewed on a weekly basis.**

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
10/11/2022 to 05/02/2023
Salary
$32,570 to - $52,341 per year

Recruitment/Relocation incentives authorized for highly qualified candidates.

Pay scale & grade
GS 3 - 6
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Hot Springs, SD
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
6
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
CBSY-11680773-23-HMP
Control number
682657500

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This is a PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT and is open to Federal employees from agencies other than the Department of Veterans Affairs and All US Citizens. Federal employees from agencies other than the Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Citizens applicants will be referred on separate certificates. If you are a current permanent employee of the VA Black Hills Health Care System or current permanent VA Nationwide employee, you should apply under the internal announcement number CBSY-11680772-23-HMP.

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Duties

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Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides 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.
  • Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, and surgical periodontics.
  • Performs dental imaging.
  • Utilizes dental imaging safety techniques.
  • Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories.
  • Properly prepares instruments for sterilization by SPD standards.
  • Complies with Reusable Medical Equipment requirements.
  • Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images.
  • Assists patients in scheduling appointments.
  • Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments.
  • Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records.
  • Performs as time-keeper, dental supply clerk and local administrative assistant.
  • Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position).
  • Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients.
  • Participates in patient identification and time out per JCAHO requirements.
  • Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress.
  • Monitors patient (BP, pulse EKG, pulse oximeter), and condition during moderate sedation and during recovery period following procedure.
  • Pours impressions and prepares study models
  • Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims
  • Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education
Work Schedule: Full-time; Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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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.
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
  • Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
  • 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 Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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.

Experience and Education:

  1. Experience: Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work, or provides familiarity with the work. OR
  2. Education: Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). OR,
  3. 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.
(1) Provisions for Certification of Radiologic Competence:
  1. Successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc.; OR,
  2. 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,
  3. Successful completion of a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the Department of Defense (DoD).
(2) 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.

(3) Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable.

(4) 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.

English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English 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-3
Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-4
Experience or Education: In addition to the basic requirements, 1 year of experience at the next lower level, GS-3, 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).
AND
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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-5
Experience or Education: In addition to the requirements listed at GS-4, applicants must demonstrate at least 1 year of experience at or equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-4, that demonstrates the core competencies described at the 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.
AND
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate 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-6, Staff Dental Assistant
Experience: 1 year at or equivalent to the next lower, GS-5, and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level (GS-5), that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level.
AND
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSA's:
  • Ability to identify normal oral anatomy
  • Advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative, surgical, endodontic and periodontal care and procedures
  • Ability to monitor and perform basic interpretation of vital signs
  • Ability to independently provide procedure-specific patient education and appropriate referral of patient concerns to treating dentist
  • Ability to capture standard and special dental images of good diagnostic quality in traditional or digital formats.
  • Ability to perform maintenance on dental equipment used for routine and specialty dentistry.
  • Ability to enter and retrieve data utilizing electronic dental records.
  • Ability to perform dental assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures.
Preferred Experience: Radiology certification

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/46, PART II, APPENDIX G36

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6.

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, light carrying, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, standing, kneeling, and repeated bending

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

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: 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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

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

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

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, résumé, 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.

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