Dental Assistant (Clinical Expanded Function)

Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. IF you are a current, permanent federal employee, please apply to announcement CBSS-13088550-27-PN and submit your most recent non-award SF-50.

The clinical expanded-function dental assistant assists the general dentist and dental specialist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. Dental assistants at this level serve as expanded-function dental assistants independently performing advanced clinical duties in assigned specialties. Higher-level assignments cover greater scope, complexity and variety and require advanced clinical skills. The incumbent also performs the full range of duties for routine patient care. Incumbents must maintain current Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification.

Duties include but are not limited to:
Performs mouth mirror inspection of the oral cavity,
Gathers diagnostic information,
Performs pulp vitality testing,
Charts existing restoration and conditions,
Selects shades for fixed and removable prostheses,
Places and removes rubber dams and matrix bands,
Places and removes retraction cord,
Places and removes intracoronal temporary restoration,
Removes temporary crown/bridge and clean tooth preparation of debris,
Fabricates, adjusts and cements temporary crowns,
Removes permanent cement from supragingival surfaces,
Removes sutures,
Places and removes surgical dressings,
Monitors nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesic,
Performs coronal polishing of teeth,
Removes hard accretions from and polishes removable prostheses.

Customer Service
Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public; Assists customers with questions or concerns and provides service recovery.

Chairside Assisting:
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,
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,
Maintains both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standards,
Relays patient concerns to treating dentist.

Dental Imaging:
Possesses comprehensive knowledge of advanced imaging techniques in order to provide instruction (e.g. cone beam, cephalometric, advanced panoramic imaging, TMJ, etc.),
Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. TMJ, cephalometric, cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formats,
Modifies settings to achieve the images as requested by the provider,
Captures images characterized by diagnostic quality and accurately oriented and exposed,
Utilizes dental-imaging safety techniques and retakes are minimized,
Accomplishes imaging requests within desired time frame.

Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization:
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,
Works closely with SPS to ensure availability of instruments so that clinical care is not delayed,
Demonstrates proper infection-control procedures in exposing images.

Clerical Functions & Information Management:
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.
Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information,
Follows computer security regulations.

Employee Education:
Complies with Employee Education requirements,
Completes mandatory annual training sessions,
Maintains DANB certification as required for above full-performance-level dental assisting positions.

Dental Laboratory Functions:
Pours impressions and prepares study models,
Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims,
Removes plaque and soft debris from removable prostheses,
Fabricates athletic mouth guards and bleaching trays,
Performs other dental laboratory functions as needed and requested.

The Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant informs the supervisor of problems or unusual situations with recommendations for appropriate action. Work is reviewed on an overall basis by the supervisor for conformity to Dental Service policy and requirements.

Work Schedule: Full-Time: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 00000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

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.
• 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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
  • 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.
• 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:
     • 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).
  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.
  4. 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. The Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant is above the full performance level and is REQUIRED to have DANB CERTIFICATION.
  5. Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain licensure/certification/registration within the required time frame, or who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification/registration must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.

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: In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.

GS-7 Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant: To meet the requirements for the GS-07 grade level Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant applicants must possess 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
a. Ability to perform dental assisting expanded functions.
b. Comprehensive working knowledge of advanced imaging techniques in order to provide instruction (e.g. cone beam, cephalometric, advanced panoramic imaging, TMJ, etc).

For Reference:
GS-6: Specialized experience includes: 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 which include but are not limited to: using the concepts of four-handed dentistry; assists with specialty procedures including oral surgery, periodontal therapy, endodontic, prosthodontic and implant placement and restoration; anticipates surgeons/specialists needs at each stage of treatment; take preliminary impressions; selects and manipulates a variety of gypsums and waxes; pours, trims and evaluates the quality of diagnostic casts; fabricates custom trays.

GS-6:Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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.

Preferred Experience: DANB required for the GS-7

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

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7.

Physical Requirements: Long periods of standing and walking are required as well as considerable bending and stooping. Often, the assistant must assist patients from wheelchairs and help support a patient if he is on a stretcher or gurney.

Work Environment: Work is performed in a hospital-based dental clinic, where there is routine and recurring exposure to contagious diseases such as Hepatitis A, B, C viruses, HIV and TB through aerosols and blood and body fluids. There are also potential hazards from exposure to radiation, mercury contamination and various chemical agents. Incumbent must adhere to universal precautions (gloves, masks, and eye protection, at a minimum) during treatment of every patient.

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.

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

• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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)
• License
• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Other (1)
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

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