Staff Dental Assistant
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Houston, TX, United States
Summary
The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) is seeking a Staff Dental Assistant to work in the Dental Service. This position will be located in Houston, TX. Employees at this level serve as staff dental assistants at the full performance level for more routine patient care and perform some complex patient procedures under general supervision of more experienced dental assistants or dental supervisor.
Qualifications and Requirements
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.
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)
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)
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)
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
Grade Determinations: GS‑6 – Staff Dental Assistant (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 KSAs: Demonstrated 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: Chair‑side Assisting
Knowledge of planned dental procedures
Ability to pass instruments safely – accurately – and efficiently (four‑handed dentistry)
Accomplishes all intra‑operative procedures within the standard infection control protocols
Dental Imaging
Independently exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. – TMJ – Ceph – Cone Beam) in traditional and/or digital formats
The dental assistant must take clinically acceptable x‑rays
Knowledge of Nomad Portable X‑ray Devices
Ability to correctly mount images correctly in CPRS/DRM Plus System within the desired timeframe and minimize retakes
Floater Dental Assistant
The ability to work independent multiple providers daily in a fast‑paced Environment
Customer Service
Meets the needs of customers and effectively communicate dental terminology with customer and dental team
Effectively interacts in a professional & courteous manner with supervisor and other employees to facilitate the accomplishment of the work of the organization
Specialty Clinics
Must have working knowledge in all areas of dentistry including General – Periodontics – Prosthodontics – Endodontics and other areas if called to perform
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‑06
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS‑06
Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation – see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
May require standing – lifting – carrying – sitting – stooping – bending – puling – and pushing
May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions
The area is adequately lighted – heated – and ventilated
However – the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.
Duties
The duties of the Staff Dental Assistant in Dental Service include - but are not limited to: Responds to basic medical emergencies
Measures and records vital signs
Provides pre‑and postoperative instructions
Maintains a field of operation during dental procedures through the use of retraction – suction – irrigation – drying – placing and removing cotton rolls
Using the concepts of four‑handed dentistry – assists with basic restorative procedures
Mixes basic dental materials
Assists in preparation of laboratory prescription forms
Applies pressure indicator paste to removable prostheses
Exposes and processes basic dental radiographs
Mounts and labels dental radiographs and/or saves digital imaging to electronic medical records
Evaluates radiographs for diagnostic quality
Maintains routine dental equipment per manufacturer and dental service standards
Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably
Prepares dental medicaments and impression material per manufacturer's instructions
Works closely with the Lead Dental Assistants to comply with Employee Education requirements and complete all mandatory annual safety training sessions
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
Place contaminated instruments in bins for sterilization by SPS verifying the correct instruments are in each kit
In addition - must ensure all dental assistants are following proper protocol
Must disinfect all impressions and prostheses before taking them to the dental laboratory
Make accurate entries into the VistA or CPRS database and Dental Record Manager Plus
Possess basic knowledge in all areas of dentistry including but not limited to – General Dentistry – Periodontics – Prosthodontic – Endodontics – and other areas if called upon to perform these tasks in emergency situations
Places appropriate instruments and materials in the operatory for the identified procedure so there is no break in the treatment to retrieve something that was not available
Passes instruments according to the technique developed for dentist
In addition - keeps field clear for operation - free of debris - water and/or blood
Recognize the signs and symptoms of a medical emergency and to provide the dentist with appropriate armamentaria at his/her request or their own initiative
The recognizable dental emergencies or urgencies would include but not be limited to heart attack – choking on foreign bodies – syncope – vomiting or urination
Work Schedule (Subject to change based on the needs of the facility): Monday: 7:00 a.m - 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday: OFF
Wednesday: 4:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m.
Thursday: 2:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:00 a.m - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7:30 a.m - 2:00 p.m.
Sunday: OFF
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13‑26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service experience
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 580-02282-F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.
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The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) is seeking a Staff Dental Assistant to work in the Dental Service. This position will be located in Houston, TX. Employees at this level serve as staff dental assistants at the full performance level for more routine patient care and perform some complex patient procedures under general supervision of more experienced dental assistants or dental supervisor.
Qualifications and Requirements
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.
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)
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)
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)
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
Grade Determinations: GS‑6 – Staff Dental Assistant (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 KSAs: Demonstrated 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: Chair‑side Assisting
Knowledge of planned dental procedures
Ability to pass instruments safely – accurately – and efficiently (four‑handed dentistry)
Accomplishes all intra‑operative procedures within the standard infection control protocols
Dental Imaging
Independently exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. – TMJ – Ceph – Cone Beam) in traditional and/or digital formats
The dental assistant must take clinically acceptable x‑rays
Knowledge of Nomad Portable X‑ray Devices
Ability to correctly mount images correctly in CPRS/DRM Plus System within the desired timeframe and minimize retakes
Floater Dental Assistant
The ability to work independent multiple providers daily in a fast‑paced Environment
Customer Service
Meets the needs of customers and effectively communicate dental terminology with customer and dental team
Effectively interacts in a professional & courteous manner with supervisor and other employees to facilitate the accomplishment of the work of the organization
Specialty Clinics
Must have working knowledge in all areas of dentistry including General – Periodontics – Prosthodontics – Endodontics and other areas if called to perform
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‑06
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS‑06
Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation – see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
May require standing – lifting – carrying – sitting – stooping – bending – puling – and pushing
May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions
The area is adequately lighted – heated – and ventilated
However – the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.
Duties
The duties of the Staff Dental Assistant in Dental Service include - but are not limited to: Responds to basic medical emergencies
Measures and records vital signs
Provides pre‑and postoperative instructions
Maintains a field of operation during dental procedures through the use of retraction – suction – irrigation – drying – placing and removing cotton rolls
Using the concepts of four‑handed dentistry – assists with basic restorative procedures
Mixes basic dental materials
Assists in preparation of laboratory prescription forms
Applies pressure indicator paste to removable prostheses
Exposes and processes basic dental radiographs
Mounts and labels dental radiographs and/or saves digital imaging to electronic medical records
Evaluates radiographs for diagnostic quality
Maintains routine dental equipment per manufacturer and dental service standards
Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably
Prepares dental medicaments and impression material per manufacturer's instructions
Works closely with the Lead Dental Assistants to comply with Employee Education requirements and complete all mandatory annual safety training sessions
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
Place contaminated instruments in bins for sterilization by SPS verifying the correct instruments are in each kit
In addition - must ensure all dental assistants are following proper protocol
Must disinfect all impressions and prostheses before taking them to the dental laboratory
Make accurate entries into the VistA or CPRS database and Dental Record Manager Plus
Possess basic knowledge in all areas of dentistry including but not limited to – General Dentistry – Periodontics – Prosthodontic – Endodontics – and other areas if called upon to perform these tasks in emergency situations
Places appropriate instruments and materials in the operatory for the identified procedure so there is no break in the treatment to retrieve something that was not available
Passes instruments according to the technique developed for dentist
In addition - keeps field clear for operation - free of debris - water and/or blood
Recognize the signs and symptoms of a medical emergency and to provide the dentist with appropriate armamentaria at his/her request or their own initiative
The recognizable dental emergencies or urgencies would include but not be limited to heart attack – choking on foreign bodies – syncope – vomiting or urination
Work Schedule (Subject to change based on the needs of the facility): Monday: 7:00 a.m - 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday: OFF
Wednesday: 4:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m.
Thursday: 2:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:00 a.m - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7:30 a.m - 2:00 p.m.
Sunday: OFF
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13‑26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service experience
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 580-02282-F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.
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