Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant

Summary

The purpose of this position is to serve as a Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant, above full performance level, assigned to the Dental Outpatient Clinic performing a wide range of direct and indirect patient care duties in both the Operating Room (OR) and the OMFS suites. Incumbent must be able to perform effectively in both areas with a high level of skill.

Duties

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The OMFS Dental Assistant is responsible for seating patients in treatment area and performing chair side assistance which consist of the following: setting up operatory for planned dental procedure, 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. The OMFS Dental Assistant assists in routine general dental procedures and in specialized dental procedures, such as oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontic, periodontics, dental implant surgery, and prosthodontics. Performs dental imaging which consists of taking digital and/or conventional radiographs of in-patients and outpatients according to prescription, including periapical, bitewing, occlusal, panoramic, cephalometric, and temporomandibular joint tomographs. Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed. Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized, therefore, imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame. Responsible for Infection Control by demonstrating proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories as well as safety procedures in exposing images. Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards and in a manner that does not delay clinical care. Maintains patient confidentiality per Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) with written and verbal information and follows computer security regulations. Incumbent observes and complies with all established safety practices. Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities and provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients. Participates in patient identification and time out per The Joint Commission requirements, assures Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are updated and monitors patient condition during treatment being alert for signs of physical distress. Responsible for reporting any work-related injuries, illnesses, and diseases immediately to your supervisor. Ensures that working conditions and work practices within the worksite are such that the possibilities of on-the-job injuries are minimized. Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education under the direction and supervision of Dentist a d helps with the patient preparation, monitoring and necessary paperwork, before, during and after Moderate Sedation Process. Informs the patient about the nature of the procedure, how long it will take the risks, benefits and possible alternatives. The OMFS assistant is the first member of the surgical team in the suite; therefore, the incumbent must have knowledge and skills to prepare and be proficient in all types of complex OMFS procedures. Assists surgeons while patient is under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia in procedures which include facial trauma, pre-prosthetic or reconstructive surgery, and orthognatic surgery. Is able to assist in basic and advanced cardiac life support when required. When assisting in the OR, performs the duties of scrub nurse. Prepares and drapes the patient, passes the instruments, suctions and irrigates the field, retracts the tissues, cuts sutures and applies force to chisels, anticipates the surgeon's needs at each stage of operation. At the end of the operation, he/she applies surgical dressing, packages and sends tissues to pathology laboratory. Removes contaminated instruments, scrubs, and prepares the surgical tray for the next case on the schedule. Work Schedule: M-F 7:30-16:00 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 55521-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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 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 (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 Dentistry. OR, (c) Successful completion of a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the Department of Defense (DoD). 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. This will result in removal from the GS-681 series and may result in termination of employment. Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable. 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 in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Grade Determinations: GS-7 Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level or equivalent that demonstrates the ability to perform full range of duties with some independence in assigned specialties, with indirect supervision from the lead dental assistant, dental assistant supervisor or treating dentist. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities a. Ability to perform dental assisting expanded b. Comprehensive working knowledge of advanced imaging techniques in order to provide instruction (e.g. cone beam, cephalometric, advanced panoramic imaging, TMJ, etc). Preferred Experience: 3-5 years of OMFS expe