Lead Dental Assistant

Summary

Employee serves as Lead Dental Assistant, above the full performance level for routine and specialty dental care, working independently for complex procedures in specialty dentistry under general supervision. He/she has extensive knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures in the specialty areas of oral surgery, endodontics, and implant dentistry. Incumbent has general knowledge of oral anatomical structures and understands surgical and dental procedures.

Duties

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Lead Dental Assistants have an advanced knowledge of OSHA standards and Environment of Care issues in the dental clinic and laboratory and must be DNB certified. Specialized duties are performed 25% of the time. Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public. Aids customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery Sets up operatory 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 medical instruments 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 surgery, endodontics, periodontics, and dental implants. Prepares for and assists in dental operatory Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed. Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories. Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPS standards. Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images Assists patients in scheduling appointments in compliance with scheduling processes and procedures 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 Assists dentist in managing lab case pans Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information Follows computer security regulations 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 JC requirements Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress Complies with Employee Education requirements Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions Remove sutures Impress ions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication Remove temporary crown/bridge and clean tooth preparation of debris Recement and fabricate temporary crowns Coronal polishing of teeth Place rubber dams and matrix bands Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education Pours impression, and constructs impression trays when needed. Works with supervisor or Chief Dental Service to monitor/make work assignments Provide input on performance, resolve daily workplace issues, maintain efficient flow of patient care May approve brief periods of leave, provide training to staff dental assistants, students and/or trainees May recommend special advancements and promotions, disciplinary actions Instructs other assistants in diagnostic quality radiographs, provides instruction in maintenance of all dental service equipment, provides primary support to the supervisor for the daily delivery of department programs, reporting, staffing and scheduling, coordinates the patients' care plans to reduce redundancies and delay in patient treatment. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:45 PM. Some work on nights/weekends/holidays as needed. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized 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 #: Lead Dental Assistant This is a bargaining unit position.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. 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)]. 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). 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. 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). Preferred Experience: Demonstrated Leadership in Clinical Operations. Experience Training, Coaching, or Mentoring Dental Assistants. Proven Experience Supporting Program Development or Quality Improvement. Effective Communication & Collaboration Across Dental and Administrative Teams. Experience Providing Oversight in a High-Volume or Multi-Location Dental Setting. Grade Determinations: GS-7 Lead Dental Assistant Experience: At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at