Summary
The Supervisory Dental Assistant position is located at the Data Point Dental Clinic, 8410 Data Point, San Antonio, Texas. This will include the major duties and responsibilities listed within the duties section of this announcement, the referenced functions and other ancillary duties, as assigned. The incumbent will be expected to provide overall support to the service to provide optimum care to our Veterans.
Duties
This position is located at the Data Point Dental Clinic, 8410 Data Point, San Antonio, Texas.
Major Duties:
- Supervisory duties: Duties listed in this section (a) comprise at least 25% of the supervisory dental assistant's time.
- Supervises a team of employees performing at the GS-8 level or below.
- Provides guidance and technical direction necessary for accomplishing the work of the team.
- Assures compliance with VA policies.
- Plan and assigns work and makes adjustment in accordance with established priorities.
- Sets and adjusts short-term priorities.
- Approves leave for subordinates.
- Evaluates the performance, progress, and training needs of subordinate employees.
- Prepares performance appraisals and performance improvement plans when problems are identified.
- Issues minor disciplinary actions, such as warning and reprimands.
- Recommends other action in more serious cases.
- Interviews candidates for dental assistant positions, recommends appointment, promotion, or reassignment.
- Recommends awards or recognitions of performance.
- Oversees the Systems Redesign Program to identify ways to improve production or improve quality.
- Monitors work in progress to ensure that the staff dental assistant's clinical performance meets the dentist's instructions.
- Confers with dental chief or supervisory dentist if unable to resolve major issues or problems.
- Identifies developmental and training needs of employees for specific tasks and job techniques.
- Trains employees (dentist, dental residents, and dental assistants) in computerized dental patient record systems including generating patient consults, storing and viewing digital images, entry of diagnostic data and preparation of treatment planning.
- Arranges for training of team members, students and volunteers 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 supervisor on major issues and problems that arise.
- Ensures that the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are organized and maintained.
- Develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the dental staff for Reusable Medical Equipment.
- Trains and ensures compliance of dental staff in performing all SOPs.
- Works closely with Generic Inventory Package (GIP) staff to manage dental supplies to assure adequate stock levels and appropriate storage.
- Serves as a dental point-of contact to coordinate dental care for complex patients (e.g. organ transplant or head and neck cancer).
- Serves as a liaison between the scheduler and the dentist to maintain efficient and productive use of the dentists' patient care time and minimize missed opportunities.
- Ensures that the dental station and treatment area are maintained in a clean and operational condition.
- Assures that the dental treatment area is set up and shut down each workday to maintain security of the clinic area and dental equipment. Delegates these duties as necessary.
- Monitors function of dental equipment and requests repair or replacement.
- Prepares electronic work orders and monitors completion.
- Participates in the development of equipment requests and justifications based on workload.
- Collateral duties as assigned by the dental service chief to ensure that the mission of the service and the medical center has been satisfied.
- . Customer Service
- Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public.
- Helps customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery.
- Chair-side Assisting
- Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and 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 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.
Major Duties will continue in Education section of this announcement
Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 54159-F
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. 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Qualifications
This position is located at the Data Point Dental Clinic, 8410 Data Point, San Antonio, Texas.
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 (a) Successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc.; OR, (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, (c) 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. § 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 certifi-cation 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.
- 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.
- English Language Proficiency:
- Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
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.
- Assignment:
- The supervisory dental assistant is responsible for the supervision, administrative management, and direction of dental assistants. The incumbent may be delegated full administrative and professional responsibility for planning and directing the dental assisting activities for the service or equivalent unit at an independent outpatient clinic. They have full supervisory responsibility over a section or equivalent work unit which would require three or more dental assistants. Typical duties include: making work assignments, monitoring of staff dental assistant clinical performance, conducting performance appraisals, and other clinical and administrative responsibilities as assigned by the Service Chief to ensure that the mission of the service and the medical center has been satisfied.
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-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08.
Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds.
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/.
NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
Continuation of Major Duties section below:
- Dental Imaging
- Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. TMJ, ceph, cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formats.
- Modifies settings to achieve the images as requested by the provider.
- Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed.
- Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized.
- Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame.
- Shares comprehensive working knowledge of imaging techniques and provides instruction to others.
- Develops and maintains the imaging quality control program.
- Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization
- Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories.
- Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination.
- Properly prepares instruments for transfer to SPD for sterilization.
- Follows all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment.
- Works closely with SPD to ensure availability of instruments so that clinical care is not delayed.
- Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images.
- Clerical Functions
- 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.
- Information Management
- Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information
- Follows computer security regulations.
- Patient Safety
- Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position).
- Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients.
- Participates in patient identification and time out per Joint Commission requirements.
- Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress.
- Employee Education
- Complies with Employee Education requirements.
- Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions.
- Dental Laboratory Functions
- Pours impressions and prepares study models.
- Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims.
- Performs other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow.
- Direct Patient Care
- 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.
- Applies topical fluoride.
- Makes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication.
- Removes plaque and soft debris from removable prostheses.
- Provides patient preventative education and oral hygiene instruction.
- Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education.
Benefits
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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
- 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
- Other (1)
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- 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.
Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
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 06/27/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12751609.
- 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.
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.