Dental Assistant Job in Mayaguez, PR

Vacancy No. CBTC-12654232-25-JYM Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $44,117.00 to $57,354.00 Grade 6 to 6
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/8/2025 Close Date 1/21/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Mayaguez, PR


Summary

This Dental Assistant position is located at the Mayaguez Outpatient Clinic of the VA Caribbean Healthcare System, PR. The Dental Assistant serves at the full performance level with the ability to perform full range of duties with some independence in assigned specialties, with indirect supervision from the lead dental assistant, dental assistant supervisor or treating dentist.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This vacancy announcement is opened to US Citizens. Current, permanent employees of the VA Caribbean Healthcare System may apply to the internal vacancy announcement # CBTC-12645419-25-MR. There is NO need to apply to both announcements.

Duties

Dental assistants at this level serve in staff Dental Assistant positions independently performing more complex work in assigned specialties while receiving general administrative supervision. The Dental Assistant assists the Dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. Responsibilities include but not limited to:

  • Provides the veteran with consistent information according to established policies and procedures.
  • Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the veteran constructively and appropriately.
  • Relationships with management, co-workers, patients, and the general public are consistently courteous, respectful, and cooperative in nature.
  • Assists dentist at chair side as anticipated or required in all phases of restorative, surgical prosthodontic, endodontic, periodontic and oral surgery treatment of medically compromised patients with comprehensive dentistry.
  • Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress.
  • Monitors patient (BP, pulse EKG, pulse oximeter), and during sedation and recovery period.
  • Sets up operatory or surgery suite for planned dental procedure, cleans dental unit for timely turnover.
  • Passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently.
  • Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably.
  • Prepares dental medications and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions.
  • Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols.
  • Assists in specialized dental procedures, e.g. oral maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, periodontics, maxillofacial Prosthodontist (consists of significant scope complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.)
  • Assist in the placement of dental implants by providing working knowledge of the assisting techniques involved in implant therapy.
  • Dental Assistants at this level serve in staff dental positions independently performing more complex work in assigned specialties.
  • Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed.
  • Operates dental X-rays and digital equipment to take intra oral and panoramic radiographs following all established radiation safety protection measures.
  • Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized.
  • Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame.
  • Follows manufacturer's recommendations and Reusable Medical Equipment (RME), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding equipment use and processing (critical, semi-critical and non-critical items.)
  • Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories.
  • Decontaminates all dental operatory surfaces with chemical solutions after each patient is treated following universal precautions procedures.
  • Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPS standards (critical, semi-critical and non-critical.) Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care.
  • Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images.
  • Follows manufacturer's recommendations and Reusable Medical
  • Equipment (RME), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding equipment use and processing (critical, semi-critical and non-critical items).
  • Assists patients in scheduling appointments.
  • Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments.
  • Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records using Dental Record Manager Plus.
  • Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information.
  • Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy.
Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress.
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday- 7:30AM-4:00PM
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:61771F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • 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.
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
  • Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
  • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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

Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.)

English Language Proficiency. Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA guidelines.

Experience and/or Education.

Experience. 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).

OR,

Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying.

Certifications.

Dental Radiographer Certification. Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, you 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 your field. Provisions for Certification of Radiologic Competence:
  • 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 in basic life support methods is highly desirable.***

Grade Determination GS-06 Dental Assistant

Specialized Experience. At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-05) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. KSAs at the GS-05 grade level are:
  1. Knowledge of anatomy and ability to evaluate diagnostic quality.
  2. Broad knowledge of common medical emergencies and vital signs measurement.
  3. Basic knowledge of instruments, materials and standardized dental procedures .
  4. Ability to learn and utilize software programs used within VHA.
  5. Basic communication skills to provide patient instructions according to established protocol.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) -GS-06. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs:
  1. Ability to identify normal oral anatomy.
  2. Advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative, surgical, endodontic and periodontal care and procedures.
  3. Ability to monitor and perform basic interpretation of vital signs.
  4. Ability to independently provide procedure-specific patient education and appropriate referral of patient concerns to treating dentist.
  5. Ability to capture standard and special dental images of good diagnostic quality in traditional or digital formats.
  6. Ability to perform maintenance on dental equipment used for routine and specialty dentistry.
  7. Ability to enter and retrieve data utilizing electronic dental records.
  8. Ability to perform dental assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures.
Selective Placement Factor: Must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish language.

Physical Requirements: Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume
  • Proof of Dental Radiographer Certification
NOTE on Transcripts: If you are basing your qualification on education, you must submit transcript with application.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • Proof of Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certification
  • Proof of Dental Radiographer Certification
  • Resume
  • SF-15
  • Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 01/21/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12654232.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Jenniffer Marrero Diaz
Address
San Juan VA Medical Center
10 Calle Casia
San Juan, PR 00921
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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