Dental Assistant

Position are located within the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, at the Atlanta VA Healthcare System, in Atlanta, GA under the Dental Service. The Dental Assistant, performs a higher level, scope, complexity and variety of dental assisting duties representing the clinical assignment and applies advanced clinical skills. Performs the full range of duties for routine patient care, with indirect supervision from the Supervisory Dental Assistant, or the treating dentist.

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: 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. English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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). Grade Determinations: GS-6 (Full Performance Level) Experience. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to identify normal oral anatomy. Advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative, surgical, endodontic and periodontal care and procedures. Ability to monitor and perform basic interpretation of vital signs. Ability to independently provide procedure-specific patient education and appropriate referral of patient concerns to treating dentist. Ability to capture standard and special dental images of good diagnostic quality in traditional or digital formats. Ability to perform maintenance on dental equipment used for routine and specialty dentistry. Ability to enter and retrieve data utilizing electronic dental records. Ability to perform dental assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures. Preferred Experience. Expanded Duty Dental Assistant References: VA Handbook 5005/46, Part II, Appendix G36, Dental Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs. or over). Moderate lifting (15-44 lbs.) Light lifting (15 lbs. and under). Light carrying (15 lbs. and under). Pushing (1 hour). Reaching above shoulder. Use of fingerprints. Both hands required. Walking (up to 4 hours). Standing (up to 8 hours). Kneeling (up to 2 hours). Repeated bending (up to 6 hours). Ability to rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Near vision correctable at 13" to 16". Hearing (aid permitted). Environmental Factors: Constant noise, dust, solvents (degreasing agents), radiant energy, electrical energy, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working around machinery with moving parts, working around moving objects or vehicles, working with hands in water, vibration, working closely with others.