Summary
This Supervisory Dental Assistant position is located at the Jennifer Moreno VA Medical Center, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA. The Supervisory Dental Assistant is responsible for the supervision, administrative management and direction of dental assistants. Typical duties include: making work assignments, monitoring dental assistant performance, resolving daily workplace issues, conducting performance appraisals, and maintaining efficient flow of patient care.
Clarification from the agency
United States Citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Duties
Functions and Supervisory Duties: Duties listed in this section (a) comprise at least 25% of the Supervisory Dental Assistant's time.
- Supervises a team of dental employees performing at the GS-O8 level or below. Provides the guidance and technical direction necessary for accomplishing the work of the team. Assures compliance with VA policies. Takes responsibility for the dental team's performance on National dental performance measures/monitors and indicators.
- Plans and assigns work, assuring the work assignments of employees in the unit are carried out. Coordinates daily work assignments at the start of the shift and throughout the day as the need arises.
- Monitors the status and progress of work and makes adjustments in accordance with established priorities. Sets and adjusts short-term priorities. Obtains assistance from the Dental Service Chief or designee as needed for major issues or problems which arise.
- Assesses competency and evaluates the individual performance and progress of subordinate employees. Ensures that the dental assistant's clinical performance meets the dentist's instructions. Hears and resolves employee complaints and workplace issues.
- Develops performance standards and prepares performance appraisals and performance improvement plans when problems are identified. Approves leave for subordinates.
- Interviews candidates for dental assistant positions. Recommends appointments, promotions and/or reassignments. Recommends awards and/or recognitions of performance and personnel needs.
- Issues minor disciplinary actions, such as counseling and warnings. Recommends other action in more serious cases.
- Provides expert advice on specific tasks, procedures and policies.
- Identifies developmental and training needs of employees in specific tasks and job techniques. Trains all employees and fee basis providers in computerized dental patient record systems including generating patient consults, exposing, storing and viewing digital images, entry of diagnostic data and preparation of treatment plans.
- Trains (or makes arrangements for training) team members in the accomplishment of tasks or projects.
- Maintains current knowledge and answers questions from team members on procedures, policies, and directives.
- Makes written instructions, reference materials, and relevant background material available. Obtains needed information on decisions from the Dental Service Chief or designee on major issues and problems that arise.
- Develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the dental staff for Reusable Medical Device (RMD). Trains and ensures compliance of dental team in SOPs, and reports noncompliance to the Dental Service Chief or designee.
- Works closely, and serves as the liaison with Sterile Processing Department (SPD) to ensure availability of instruments so that clinical care is not delayed.
- Works closely, and serves as the liaison with Logistics Service to manage dental supplies and materials to assure adequate stock levels and appropriate storage.
- Works closely, and serves as the liaison with Pharmacy Service to manage dental supplies and materials to assure adequate stock levels and appropriate storage.
- Works closely, and serves as the liaison to Prosthetics Service.
- Serves as the Dental point-of-contact with the Safe Patient Coordinator.
- Serves as the Dental point-of-contact with the Radiation Safety Officer.
- Works closely, and serves as the liaison with the Systems Redesign Program to identify ways to improve production or improve quality.
- Schedules appointments, and serves as the liaison between other schedulers and the providers to maintain efficient and productive use of the providers' patient care time and minimize missed opportunities.
- Maintains the dental station and treatment area in a clean and operational condition per manufacturer instructions and dental service standards. Assures that the dental treatment area is set up and shut down each work day to maintain security of the clinic area and dental equipment.
- Delegates these duties as necessary.
Work Schedule: Full time, Mon-Fri, 7:00am-3:30pm
Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized
Telework: Not Authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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:
- 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)].
- 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
- 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).
- 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. ยง 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.
- Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable.
- 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-8 Supervisory 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 and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*)
- Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice, and the demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants.
- Skill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignments.
- Ability to assist the Chief in Dental Clinic operations related to policy development, equipment requests and workload analysis.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative work relationships.
- Ability to analyze clinically appropriate data effectively to optimize quality, performance, and productivity within section.
- *Ability to perform supervisory functions such as assessing competency, providing performance appraisals and managing training.
Preferred Experience:
- Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable.
- Performs complex procedures - Oral Surgery and work with specialty clinics Endodontics and Prosthodontics.
- Extensive knowledge to expose both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e., CBCT - Implants and TMJ) in digital formats.
- Experience in supervision, administrative management, and direction of dental assistants.
- Conducts training presentation to dental teams in group settings.
- Collaborates with team members in completing daily tasks.
- Experience in planning and coordinating daily work assignments
- Experience in providing guidance and technical direction to the dental team.
- Knowledge in various Policies, Handbooks and Directives, Memoranda and Standard Operating Procedures, Workplace duties and Competencies within the VHA, Medical Center and Dental Service.
- Knowledge in policy development and workload analysis.
Preferred: The qualification standard is referring to Certified Dental Assistants (CDA) and this is required for all grades above the full performance level (GS-6), whether that is a supervisor, lead, or expanded functions dental assistant position.
References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/46, PART II, APPENDIX G36, APRIL 19, 2011
Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include moderate lifting (15-44 lbs), heavy carrying (45 lbs and over), ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, good distant vision in one eye, ability to hear whisper voice. There is moderate walking (3-4 hrs.) and some extended periods of standing (3-4 hrs.).
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/.
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.
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:
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Transcript
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 (VA)
- PCS Orders
- Professional Certification
- Proof of Marriage Status
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- 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.
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 05/27/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12325717.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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