Lead Dental Assistant

Summary

The Lead Dental Assistant works with the supervisor or Chief Dental Service to monitor and make work assignments - assist with direct patient care - 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.

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:
  In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English
• Experience and Education - To fulfill this requirement - you must meet one of the following:
  
  Experience:
  
  Six months experience that demonstrates your 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
• Dental Radiographer Certification:
  Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75
• You must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in this regulation - and is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education - and be certified as radiographers in their field.( Must submit documentation) 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)
• Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certification:
  The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes DANB as the national certification for Dental Assistants
• DANB certification it is required for all positions above the full performance level
• This position is above the full performance level
• ((MUST SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION AS IT IS REQUIRED) Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable
• Grandfathering Provision
• All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title - series and grade held - including [ ] certification [(for positions above the full performance level)] that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation
• For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard - but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it - the following provisions apply:
  Such employees may be reassigned - promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level - or [changed to lower grade] within the occupation - but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions
• Such employees [MUST] meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels
• Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed - on a temporary or permanent basis - until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard
• Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation - who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation
• If an employee who was retained [ ] under this provision leaves [the] occupation - the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation
• Grade Determinations: GS-7 Lead Dental Assistant 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:
  Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: a
• Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice - and demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants
• b
• Skill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignments
• c
• Ability to assist in dental program development - outcome…