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VA
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Lead Dental Assistant
Career Insights for Dental Assistant
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Based on Oklahoma data
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What they do
A Dental Assistant assists dentists in caring for patient's teeth. Helps patients get ready for treatment; prepares equipment and supplies. May perform some dental procedures under the direction of a dentist, such as fluoride application, if allowed under state regulations. Works in dental offices.
$42,662 / year median in Oklahoma
+19% projected growth
Job Description
Summary The Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System is hiring one Lead Dental Assistant located in Muskogee
- OK.
Basic Requirements:
Citizenship Citizen of the United States (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with chapter 3- section A
- paragraph 3g
- this part.) Experience and EducationExperience 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)] 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 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.
- (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
- Successful completion of a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the Department of Defense (DoD).
Dental Assistants Grade Requirements:
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 that level In addition- the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs Demonstrated Knowledge
- Skills
- and Abilities Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice
- and demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants Skill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignments Ability to assist in dental program development
- outcome management
- and strategic planning Skill in acting as liaison between staff dental assistants and the supervisor Ability to provide professional oversight and consultation for staff dental assistants This is above Full Performance Level.
- adjusts
- and cements temporary crowns Removes permanent cement from supragingival surfaces Assists with vitality testing Places and removes surgical dressings Removes sutures Monitors nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesic Performs coronal polishing of teeth Removes hard accretions from and polishes removable prostheses Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover Possesses advanced knowledge of instruments•materials•and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative•surgical•endodontic•and periodontal care Monitors•and performs basic interpretation of•patient vital signs (BP•pulse•pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedure Assists in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistry 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 Assists in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistry Assists in specialized dental procedures•such as oral surgery•endodontics•periodontics•prosthodontics•implant placement and restoration Maintains both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standards Monitors patient vital signs (BP•pulse•pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedure Applies topical anesthetic at the injection site Takes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication Provides procedure-specific•patient-preventative education and oral hygiene instruction Assists in specialized dental procedures•such as oral surgery•endodontics•periodontics•prosthodontics•implant placement and restoration Maintains both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standards Relays patient concerns to treating dentist Possesses comprehensive knowledge of advanced imaging techniques to provide instruction (e.
- cone beam
- cephalometric
- advanced panoramic imaging
- TMJ•etc.
- TMJ•cephalometric•cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formats Demonstrates proper infection-control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination Properly prepares instruments for transfer to SPS for sterilization Follows all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments Initiates computerized progress note Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records
Work Schedule:
7:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday (4 Days total)Pay:
Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay- a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
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.