Dental Assistant

Performs a full range of duties with some independence in assigned specialties, indirect supervision from lead dental assistant (DA), DA supervisor or dentist. Using concepts of four-handed dentistry; assisting with specialty procedures including oral surgery, periodontal therapy, endodontic, prosthodontic & implant placement/restoration; anticipates surgeons/specialists needs of treatment; takes preliminary impressions; selects & manipulates a variety of gypsums & waxes.

• 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.
  • (2) Education. Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
  • (3) 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.
  • (1) 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.
• Physical Requirements. See above.
• English Language Proficiency. Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 Part II chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a.

See Additional Information Section.

• Experience in oral surgical procedures
• Proficient in impression making
• Excellent operative and prosthodontic assisting skills
• Has completed a Dental Assistant Certification program.
• Able to expose and produce acceptable diagnostic radiographs.
• Experience in various areas of Dentistry (Endo, Restorative, Oral Surgery, Implants, Periodontics, etc.).

In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.

GS-3. Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

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…