Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant

Description:

The Clinical Expanded Functions Dental Assistant performs a higher level, scope, complexity and variety of dental assisting duties representing the clinical assignment, and applies advanced clinical skills. They perform the full range of duties for routine patient care with indirect supervision from the lead or supervisory dental assistant of the treating dentist. Duties will be performed in the Dental Clinic.

Requirements:

Basic Requirements :

1.United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

2. English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English.

3. 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.

4. 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).

5. 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.

Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification/registration must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.

Grandfathering Provision: 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-7,

Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant

• Experience: At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level or equivalent that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs:
  • a. Ability to perform dental assisting expanded functions.
  • b. Comprehensive working knowledge of advanced imaging techniques in order to provide instruction (e.g. cone beam, cephalometric, advanced panoramic imaging, TMJ, etc).

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/46, PART II, APPENDIX G36, Dated APRIL 19, 2011

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.