Dental Assistant

Summary

The VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System is recruiting for a Dental Assistant at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center. 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. Recruitment & Relocation Incentive Eligible!!!

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional 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 fortimely 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 -Takes preliminary impressions for study models, modifying impression tray as needed. -Performs a variety of techniques and skilled, detailed workmanship to complete placement oftemporary crowns and bridges. In completing intricate procedures, the assistant must carefullyconsider detailed aspects of dental anatomy. The product of these procedures must befunctionally compatible with the dental anatomy of each patient. -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 intra-oral 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 intra-oral procedures which treat theseconditions, under general supervision of a staff dentist. Dental Imaging -Operates dental X-ray equipment for intra- and extra- oral radiographs. Customer service -Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers 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 agentsprescribed 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. 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 day…

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 (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.] 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). Grade Determinations: GS-3 (a) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignment. Employees at this level serve in dental assistant career development positions. It is expected that they receive guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patient issues, and require daily close supervision. GS-4 (a) Experience or Education. In addition to the basic requirements, 1 year of experience at the next lower level, OR 2 years of education above high school that included completion of a dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Basic knowledge of infection control and safe instrument handling. 2. Basic knowledge of dental procedures and [medical emergencies. 3. Ability to perform basic radiographic image capture and processing/retrieval. 4. Basic knowledge of maintenance, care and storage of dental equipment. 5. Basic knowledge of patient privacy requirements. GS-5 (a) Exp…

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.