Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant (Clinical Expanded Function)

This position is located in the Dental Service with the New Mexico VA Health Care System in Albuquerque, NM. Responsibilities include performing at an advanced level, representing the clinical assignment, and applying advanced clinical skills. Major duties include performing expanded function duties such as performing mouth mirror inspection of the oral cavity, gathering diagnostic information, performing pulp vitality testing, charting existing restoration and conditions, assisting customers with questions or concerns, setting up operatory and / or surgery suite for planned dental procedures, and cleaning dental units for timely turnover. The incumbent must also possess advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative, surgical, endodontic, and periodontal care. The position requires monitoring and performing basic interpretation of patient vital signs and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery periods following procedures. Additionally, the incumbent must assist in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistry, pass instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently, keep the operative field clear of debris, and retract oral tissues effectively and comfortably. Comprehensive knowledge of advanced imaging techniques is required to provide instruction. The incumbent must also disinfect oral appliances to prevent cross contamination, assist dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records, maintain patient confidentiality per HIPAA, follow computer security regulations, provide accurate and understandable instructions to patients, and monitor patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress.

Work Schedule : Monday-Friday, 7 : 00am-3 : 30pm

Compressed / Flexible : Available

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus) : Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance) : Not Authorized

Pay : Competitive salary and regular salary increases

Paid Time Off : 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year

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 $416.66

Retirement : Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance : Federal health / vision / dental / term life / long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Telework : Not Authorized

Functional Statement # : 00000

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) : Not Authorized

Requirements : You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12 / 31 / 1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background / security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements.

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. Applicant must have six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work, or provides familiarity with the work. OR Have a successfully completed a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). OR Have 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. Applicants must have one of the following : 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 (DoD). 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-07 Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level or equivalent that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs : Ability to perform dental assisting expanded functions. Comprehensive working knowledge of advanced imaging techniques in order to provide instruction (e.g. cone beam, cephalometric, advanced panoramic imaging, TMJ, etc).