Dental Assistant

Summary

The VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System is recruiting for a Dental Assistant at the Rochester Calkins VA Clinic. The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care, performs a wide range of intra-oral dental procedures, supports the dental laboratory as needed, and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision.

Duties

Major Duties include but are not limited to: Chairside assisting: Performs a wide range of intra-oral dental procedures associated with various phases of restorative, prosthetic, periodontal, endodontic, oral surgery, implant placement and restoration procedures and provides chairside assistance, fully anticipating the dentist's needs for all instruments, materials, and services using four-handed techniques. 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 intraoperative procedures within standard infection control protocols Takes preliminary impressions for study models, modifying impression tray as needed. Performs skilled techniques to place temporary crowns and bridges, ensuring they fit each patient's dental anatomy. Possesses knowledge of dental anatomy, related oral anatomy, the technical methods and practices of dentistry, and the working characteristics of dental instruments and materials sufficient to perform a wide variety of intraoral procedures, including restoration, of teeth prepared by dentists and adapting and seating stainless steel crowns. Possesses knowledge of and ability to recognize common dental disorders and conditions such as tooth decay and inflamed tissue sufficient to perform intraoral procedures which treat these conditions, under general supervision of a staff dentist. Dental Imaging Operates dental Xray equipment for intra and extra oral radiographs. Customer service Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, coworkers and the public. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization: Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories. Clerical Functions: Assists patients in scheduling appointments, makes appointments, and handles telephone calls. Records information related to the Medical and Dental history as relayed by the dentist or patient Information Management: Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information. Patient Safety: Instruct patients in preventive dental care measures, general nutrition as related to dental health, the common causes of tooth decay, and the care of prosthodontic appliances, provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education. Employee Education: Complies with Employee Education requirements. Dental Laboratory Functions: Pours impressions, prepares, and trims study models. Performs other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow. Direct Patient Care: Obtains patient vital signs (BP, pulse, pulse oximeter, temporal temperature) as needed. Applies desensitizing agents, tissue conditioners, topical fluorides, and other topical agents prescribed by the dentist to specified area of the oral cavity. Supply Functions Responsible for communicating with logistics to manage inventory of items supporting the Dental clinic. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Has knowledge of OSHA policies of Safe Work Practices including the hazard Communication Program, Blood Borne Pathogens Standards, Medical Waste Management, Fire and other Emergency Evacuation procedures. Other duties as assigned Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Recruitment or Relocation incentive may be paid to a Highly Qualified candidate. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases 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 experience. Parental 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 child. Child 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 $416.66. Retirement: 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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:12923F, 12924F, 12925F, 21M34A

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: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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). Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and 1 education are qualifying. c. 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). (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. This [will result in removal from the GS-681 series and] may result in termination of employment. (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.] M