Current permanent VA employees and Federal employees from another agency should apply under CBST-11903076-23-ML. The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Dental Service, is seeking Dental Assistants to fill several vacancies in Houston and the Conroe Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). Dental Assistants provide routine patient care and perform some complex patient procedures under the general supervision of more experienced staff members 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. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Experience and Education: 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. 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. Exception. 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-06 Experience. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. The Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) for the GS-05 grade level are: knowledge of anatomy and ability to evaluate diagnostic quality. Broad knowledge of common medical emergencies and vital signs measurement. Basic knowledge of instruments, materials and standardized dental procedures. Ability to learn and utilize software programs used within VHA. Basic communication skills to provide patient instructions according to established protocol. Resume must include average hours worked per week for work experience credit. Demonstrated KSAs. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: 1. Ability to identify normal oral anatomy. 2. Advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative, surgical, endodontic and periodontal care and procedures. 3. Ability to monitor and perform basic interpretation of vital signs. 4. Ability to independently provide procedure-specific patient education and appropriate referral of patient concerns to treating dentist. 5. Ability to capture standard and special dental images of good diagnostic quality in traditional or digital formats. 6. Ability to perform maintenance on dental equipment used for routine and specialty dentistry. 7. Ability to enter and retrieve data utilizing electronic dental records. 8. Ability to perform Dental Assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures. Preferred Experience: Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable. Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification by the DANB. The American Dental Association 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. Performs complex procedures - Oral Surgery and work with specialty clinics Periodontics, Endodontics and Prosthodontics. Extensive knowledge to expose both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e., TMJ, CEPH, Cone Beam) in digital formats. References. VA Handbook 5005/46, Part II, Appendix G36, Dental Assistant Qualification Standard, dated April 19, 2011. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The Full Performance Level of this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements. The work is sedentary, but the physical demands include light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds); straight pulling (3 hours); pushing (3 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers and both hands required; walking (4 hours); standing (3-4 hours); kneeling (2 hours); repeated bending (4 hours); both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; 20/40 vision in each eye with or without correction; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; emotional and mental stability; hearing (aid may be permitted); and must be able to hear low-pitch. Must wear protective attire and often exposed to radiation such as when taking digital radiographs. (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services) Work Environment. The work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Working conditions include exposure to constant noise (machinery/equipment); dust; solvents (degreasing agents); radiant and 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; and working closely with others. ["The duties of a Dental Assistant in the Dental Service include, but are not limited to: Customer Service Routinely interacts in a professional and courteous manner with managers, co-workers and other employees to accomplish the work of the organization. Works with the Lead Dental Assistant and/or Supervisory Dental Assistant to provide input on general chairside assisting, works as a team player, and maintains efficient flow of patient care. Provides clinical support to Lead Dental Assistant, Supervisory Dental Assistant, DSL Executive Team, Program Directors, Supervisory Staff Dentists, Dental Assistants and other administrative/clinical professionals. Sterilization, Disinfection and Maintenance Places contaminated instruments in bins for sterilization by the Sterile Processing Service, verifying that the correct instruments are in each kit. Disinfects all impressions and prostheses before taking them to the Dental Laboratory. Keeps a neat and clean work area in order to minimize any risk of cross contamination. Ensures bur blocks are kept clean, adds new burs when necessary, and disposable burs are thrown out after a single use. Follows clinic and facility infection control policies/practices between patients and ensures all other Dental Assistants are doing so. Chairside Assisting Performs basic chairside assisting with direct instruction from the treating Dentist. 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 planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Receives and prepares patients for dental treatment including seating, positioning chair, placing napkin, and performing disinfection and sterilization procedures. Prepares procedural trays, armamentaria setups, dental medicaments, and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions. Passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently according to the technique developed for the dentist. Keeps operative field clear of debris, water and/or blood, and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably. Recognizes the signs and symptoms of a medical emergency and provides the dentist with appropriate armamentaria at his/her request or their own initiative. The recognizable dental emergencies or urgencies would include but not limited to heart attack, choking on foreign bodies, syncope, vomiting or urination. Works closely with the Lead Dental Assistants to comply with employee education requirements. Completes all mandatory annual safety training sessions. Record Keeping and Scheduling Enters, corrects, and retrieves information from automated systems and applications such as Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA), VistA Scheduling Enhancements, Computerized Patient Record System, and Dental Record Management Plus. Adheres to VA local, National and Service policies and procedures. Abides by Federal privacy and confidentiality regulations and exhibits ethical conduct all times. Utilizes Microsoft (MS) Word or comparable word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents/files; activating printers; inserting/deleting text; formatting letters, reports, and memoranda; and transmitting/receiving e-mail. Develops presentation materials using MS PowerPoint or other comparable graphics software. Uses MS Excel or other comparable spreadsheet software to develop/edit spreadsheets that graphically display data. Ensures routing slips are completely and accurately filled out before submission to the clerk(s) for appointing and entering into VistA. Performs appointment management and patient scheduling duties as needed. Dental Imaging Takes clinically acceptable x-rays, saves digital images to the electronic medical record, and trains new hires on all x-ray equipment as needed. 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. Utilizes dental imaging safety techniques, and ensures retakes are minimized. Work Schedule: Various shifts/hours based on location. Tour of duty will be identified upon call for interview. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 580-00634-F (GS-06) Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required"]

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