Supervisory Dental Assistant

The Supervisory Dental Assistant is responsible for the supervision, administrative management, and direction of dental assistants. The position may be delegated full administrative and professional responsibility for planning and directing the dental assisting activities for the service or equivalent unit at an independent outpatient clinic. The position has full supervisory responsibility over a section of equivalent work unit which requires three or more dental assistants.

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.

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.

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.

Exception. 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.

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).

Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. Examples of specialized experience include but not limited to gathering diagnostic information, pulp vitality testing, charting of existing conditions, placing of rubber dam and matrices, selecting shades, placing retraction cord, placing and removing temporary restorations, fabricating temporary crowns and removing permanent cement from supragingival surfaces, place and remove surgical dressing, monitor nitrous oxide analgesia, and perform coronal polishing and the cleaning and polishing of removable prostheses.

Resume must include hours per week for work experience credit.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/.

Demonstrated leadership experience supervising dental assistants. Strong knowledge of VHA directives, Joint Commission standards, OSHA regulations, infection control protocol and patient safety. Proven ability to mentor, train, and lead staff