What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Dental Assistant position at Veterans Health Administration?
Works with the supervisor or Dental Service Chief to monitor and make work assignments, provide input on performance, resolve daily workplace issues, and maintain efficient flow of patient care. Provides training to staff dental assistants, students and/or trainees; may recommend special advancements and promotions, disciplinary actions, etc. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties.
Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/29/2022.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.
- 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).
- Provisions for Certification of Radiologic Competence:
- Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes DANB as the national certification for Dental Assistants. *You must submit documentation.
- English Language Proficiency. Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
Grade Requirement; GS-07 Lead Dental Assistant:
- Experience: Must have at least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-06) 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.
Preferred Experience:
- Previous experience as a Lead Dental Assistant.
- Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07.
Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Straight pulling, Pushing, Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking up to 2 hours per day; Standing up to 2 hours per day, Repeated bending, Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Both eyes required, Hearing (aids permitted).
Responsibilities:
Duties are, but not limited to:
- Works with the supervisor or Dental Service Chief to monitor and make work assignments, provide input on performance, resolve daily workplace issues, and maintain efficient flow of patient care. Provides training to staff dental assistants, students and/or trainees; may recommend special advancements and promotions, disciplinary actions, etc. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties.
- Facilitates team or unit processes by working collaboratively with team members or employees to ensure that tasks are completed, that good working relationships among team members and with management are maintained, and that team priorities and goals, needs, and achievements are coordinated with management.
- Serves in staff dental assistant positions independently performing more complex work in assigned specialties in lead dental assistant positions. Must maintain current Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification.
- Assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independent of direct supervision. The dental assistant receives and prepares patients for dental treatment and assists the dentist at chairside, bedside or in the operating room.
- Duties listed in this section (a) comprise at least 25% of the lead dental assistant's time.
- Leads a team of employees performing at the GS7 level or below. Provides guidance and technical direction necessary for accomplishing the work of the team
- Serves as a work leader, assuring 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
- Monitors the status and progress of work and makes adjustment in accordance with established priorities. Obtains assistance from the supervisor as needed for major issues or problems which arise.
- Checks work in progress to see that the supervisor's instructions have been met
- Instructs employees in specific tasks and job techniques. 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
- Trains team members, students and volunteers in the accomplishment of tasks or projects. Maintains current knowledge and answers questions from team members on procedures, policies, and directives
- Organizes and maintains Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
- Provides input in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the dental staff for Reusable Medical Equipment. Trains dental staff in SOPs and reports noncompliance to supervisor
- 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
- Makes written instructions, reference materials, and relevant background material available. Obtains needed information on decisions from the supervisor on major issues and problems that arise
- Reports to the supervisor on individual performance, progress, and training needs of employees, and on performance problems
- Makes recommendations to supervisor as requested concerning promotions, reassignments, recognitions of performance and personnel needs
- Maintains the dental station and treatment area in a clean and operational condition. Assures that the dental treatment area is set up and shut down each work day to maintain security of the clinic area and dental equipment. Delegates these duties as necessary
- Monitors function of dental equipment and requests repair or replacement. Prepares electronic work orders and monitors completion
Work Schedule: MADANTORY 8 hour shifts Monday through Friday start time may be 630am to 230pm or 12pm to 830pm - to be determined
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Telework Eligible: No
Salary : $0
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