The Supervisory Dental Assistant will provide assistance to the Dental Service Chief and 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 an independent outpatient clinic. This position is located in Knoxville, TN Dental Clinic that is estimated to open between June 19th, 2023 to July 31st, 2023. 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 (1) Experience. Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work, or provides familiarity with the work. OR, (2) Education. Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). (3) 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 (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). 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 required. 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 1. Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-7) that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to: gathering diagnostic information, pulp vitality testing, charting of existing conditions, placing of rubber dam and matrices, selecting shades, placing retraction cord, placing and removing temporary restorations, fabricating temporary crowns and removing permanent cement from supragingival surfaces. In addition, the expanded function assistant may place and remove surgical dressing, monitor nitrous oxide analgesia, and perform coronal polishing and the cleaning and polishing of removable prostheses. Provides instruction to other assistants in achieving diagnostic quality radiographs, provides instruction in maintenance of all dental service equipment, provides primary support to the chief for the daily delivery of department programs, reporting, staffing and scheduling, coordinates the patients' care plans to reduce redundancies and delay in patient treatment. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*) 2. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities a. Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice, and the demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants. b. Skill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignments. c. Ability to assist the Chief in Dental Clinic operations related to policy development, equipment requests and workload analysis. d. Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative work relationships. e. Ability to analyze clinically appropriate data effectively to optimize quality, performance, and productivity within section. f. *Ability to perform supervisory functions such as assessing competency, providing performance appraisals and managing training. 3. 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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/46 PART II APPENDIX G36. APRIL 19, 2011. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: Long standing, sitting, and lifting 22 lbs. or greater. Bending and reaching is required to provide treatment of patients. Bending is required when removing supplies from cabinets or replenishing supplies in cabinets. ["The supervisory dental assistant assists the dental service chief in clinic operations related to policy and performance standards development, equipment requests and workload analysis. The incumbent will analyze clinically appropriate data to effectively optimize quality, performance. and productivity within the section. Major responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Coordinates clinical work flow and makes work assignments. hears and resolves employee complaints and workplace issues. and maintain efficient flow of patient care, develops and provides training to staff dental assistants, students and/or trainees. Performs supervisory functions such as assessing competency. providing performance appraisals and managing training. The incumbent approves periods of leave; recommend special advancements and promotions, disciplinary actions. etc. Establishes and maintains effective and cooperative work relationships within the dental service and the facility. Assist the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independent of direct supervision. The dental assistant receives and prepares patients for dental treatment and assists the dentist at chairside. bedside or in the operating room. 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. Evaluates the individual performance. progress. and training needs of subordinate employees. Prepares performance appraisals and performance improvement plans when problems are identified. 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. Develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the dental staff for Reusable Medical Equipment (RME). Trains and ensures compliance of dental staff in performing all SOPs. 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. Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public Provides assistance 10 customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery. Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in selling up and cleaning up operatories. Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records. Monitors patient vital signs (BP. pulse. pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedure . Work Schedule: Monday to Friday from 7:45am -4:30pm Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 0000/ Supervisory Dental Assistant GS-681-8 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required."]

Return to Search Results