Lead Dental Assistant

Full Job Description

The Phoenix VA Health Care System is recruiting for a Lead Dental Assistant, in the Dental service.

The Lead Dental Assistant Works with the Dental Assistant supervisor or Service Chief to monitor and make work assignments, provide input on performance, resolve daily workplace issues, and maintain efficient flow of patient care.

Assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independent of direct supervision.

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.

English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English. Education and/or Experience: 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).

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 for all positions above the full performance level. This is an above full performance grade 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: Lead Dental Assistant GS-07 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: Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice, and demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants.

Skill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignments. Ability to assist in dental program development, outcome management, and strategic planning.

Skill in acting as liaison between staff dental assistants and the supervisor. Ability to provide professional oversight and consultation for staff dental assistants. Assignment.

The Lead Dental Assistant works with the supervisor or Chief Dental Service to monitor and make work assignments, provide input on performance, resolve daily workplace issues, and maintain efficient flow of patient care; may approve brief periods of leave, provide training to staff dental assistants, students and/or trainees; may recommend special advancements and promotions, disciplinary actions, etc.

Assignments at this level include but are not limited to: 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.

Lead Dental Assistants generally would be found in Complexity Level 1 (High Complexity) or Complexity Level 2 (Medium Complexity) facilities, or in facilities of lesser complexity levels where large dental services are found.

Individuals may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis.

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-07.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-07.

Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); walking (2 hours); standing (2 hours); repeated bending (2 hours); near vision corrected to 13" to 16"; far vision correctable in on eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other; and hearing (aid permitted).

Major Duties:

The Lead Dental Assistant assists the Dental Assistant supervisor or Service Chief to monitor and make work assignments, provide input on performance, resolve daily workplace issues, and maintain efficient flow of patient care.

The major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Assures the work assignments of employees in the unit are carried out.

Coordinates daily dental assistant work assignments at the start of the shift, and throughout the day as the need arises. Serves as Systems Redesign Coordinator.

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.

Provides input in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the dental staff for Reusable Medical Equipment.

Participates in the management of dental supplies to assure adequate stock levels and appropriate storage.

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.

Reports to the supervisor on individual performance, progress, and training needs of employees, and on performance problems.

Maintains the dental station and treatment area in a clean and operational condition. Monitors function of dental equipment and requests repair or replacement.

Assists in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistry. Sets up operatory and surgery suites for planned dental procedure, and cleans dental unit for timely turnover.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.