Lead Dental Assistant

SummaryThe Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System is hiring one Lead Dental Assistant located in Muskogee - OK.QualificationsApplicants 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 RequirementsCitizenshipCitizen of the United States(Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g - this part.) Experience and EducationExperienceSix months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work - or provides familiarity with the workOR - EducationSuccessful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on [Dental] Accreditation [(CODA)]Experience/Education CombinationEquivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifyingCertificationPublic Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75Essentially - 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 fieldProvisions for Certification of Radiologic Competence (a) Successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board - Inc.OR - (b) 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 DentistryOR - Successful completion of a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the Department of Defense (DoD).] (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 AssistantsGrade Requirements: GS-7 Lead Dental Assistant ExperienceAt least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that levelIn addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice - and demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistantsSkill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignmentsAbility to assist in dental program development - outcome management - and strategic planningSkill in acting as liaison between staff dental assistants and the supervisorAbility to provide professional oversight and consultation for staff dental assistantsThis is above Full Performance Level.DutiesList the major duties and responsibilities of the positionPerforms mouth mirror inspection of the oral cavity and gathers diagnostic informationCharts existing restoration and conditionsSelect shades for fixed and removable prosthesesPlaces and remove rubber dams and matrix bandsPlaces and removes retraction cordPlaces and removes temporary restorationRemoves temporary crown/bridge and clean tooth preparation of debrisFabricates - adjusts - and cements temporary crownsRemoves permanent cement from supragingival surfacesAssists with vitality testingPlaces and removes surgical dressingsRemoves suturesMonitors nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesicPerforms coronal polishing of teethRemoves hard accretions from and polishes removable prosthesesSets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnoverPossesses advanced knowledge of instruments - materials - and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative - surgical - endodontic - and periodontal careMonitors - and performs basic interpretation of - patient vital signs (BP - pulse - pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedureAssists in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistryPasses instruments safely - accurately - and efficientlyKeeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortablyPrepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructionsAccomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocolsAssists in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistryAssists in specialized dental procedures - such as oral surgery - endodontics - periodontics - prosthodontics - implant placement and restorationMaintains both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standardsMonitors patient vital signs (BP - pulse - pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedureApplies topical anesthetic at the injection siteTakes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabricationProvides procedure-specific - patient-preventative education and oral hygiene instructionAssists in specialized dental procedures - such as oral surgery - endodontics - periodontics - prosthodontics - implant placement and restorationMaintains both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standardsRelays patient concerns to treating dentistPossesses comprehensive knowledge of advanced imaging techniques to provide instruction (e.g. - cone beam - cephalometric - advanced panoramic imaging - TMJ - etc.)Possesses ability to identify anatomyExposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. - TMJ - cephalometric - cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formatsDemonstrates proper infection-control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatoriesDisinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contaminationProperly prepares instruments for transfer to SPS for sterilizationFollows all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical EquipmentAssists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointmentsInitiates computerized progress noteAssists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient recordsWork Schedule: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday (4 Days total) Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year)Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experienceParental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a childChild Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Virtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: 51289A