The Lead Dental Assistant assists the Department Head, Division Officer, and/or immediate supervisor related to policy and performance standards development, equipment requests and workload analysis. Will analyze clinically appropriate data to effectively optimize quality, performance, and productivity within the section.

Qualifications:

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. Proficient in spoken and written English.

Experience:

At least 6 months experience that demonstrates the 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),

OR Experience/Education Combination:

Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying.

Radiographer Certification:

Completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc.; OR 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 completion of a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the Department of Defense. In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following are the qualifications criteria at the GS7 grade level.

Grade Determinations :

Must possess 1 year experience equivalent to the GS-6 level that demonstrates the following core competencies: ability to identify normal oral anatomy; advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative, surgical, endodontic and periodontal care and procedures; ability to monitor and perform basic interpretation of vital signs; ability to independently provide procedure-specific patient education and appropriate referral of patient concerns to treating dentist; ability to capture standard and special dental images of good diagnostic quality in traditional or digital formats; ability to perform maintenance on dental equipment used for routine and specialty dentistry; ability to enter and retrieve data utilizing electronic dental records; and ability to perform dental assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures. AND Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). In addition must be able to demonstrate: A. Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice, and demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants. B. Skill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignments. C. Ability to assist in dental program development, outcome management, and strategic planning. D. Skill in acting as liaison between staff dental assistants and the supervisor. E. Ability to provide professional oversight and consultation for staff dental assistants.

References:

VA Handbook 5005/46, Part II, Appendix G36, Dental Assistant, dated 4/19/2011.

Physical Demands:

Long periods of standing, walking, sitting, and bending are required.

Work Environment:

Work involves regular and recurring exposure to potential hazards of radiation and communicable diseases. Assistant uses lead shielding or takes other acceptable measures for protection against radiation and disease and uses personal protective equipment (e.g., surgical gowns, masks, eye wear, gloves, etc.) during clinical procedures and in accordance with service guidelines and policies. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7.