Department of Veterans Affairs

Dental Assistant Job at Department of Veterans Affairs in San Francisco

Department of Veterans Affairs, San Francisco, CA, United States, 94118

Summary

Dental Service Performs a higher level, scope, complexity and variety of dental assisting duties representing the clinical assignment and applies advanced clinical skills. Performs the full range of duties for routine patient care with indirect supervision from the lead or supervisory dental assistant or the treating dentist. Clinical expanded function dental assistants perform assigned selected procedures with some independence.

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Overview

* Accepting applications

* Open & closing dates

11/26/2024 to 12/17/2024

* Salary

$81,834 - $106,386 per year

* Pay scale & grade

GS 7

* Help

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

* San Francisco, CA 1 vacancy

* Remote job

* Telework eligible

* Travel Required

Not required

* Relocation expenses reimbursed

* Appointment type

Permanent

* Work schedule

Full-time

* Service

Excepted

* Promotion potential

* Job family (Series)

* 0681 Dental Assistant

* Supervisory status

* Security clearance

Other

* Drug test

Yes

* Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

* Trust determination process

* Credentialing

* Suitability/Fitness

* Financial disclosure

* Bargaining unit status

Yes

* Announcement number

CBSW-12624601-25-LLT

* Control number

821025100

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This job is open to

* Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

Current and Permanent VA Facility Employees ONLY

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Duties

Functions:

a. Expanded function duties: Duties listed in this section (a) comprise at least 25% of the clinical expanded function dental assistant's

time. Exact duties depend upon the dental specialty to which the Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant is assigned:

* Performs mouth mirror inspection of the oral cavity

* Gathers diagnostic information

* Performs pulp vitality testing

* Charts existing restoration and conditions

* Selects shades for fixed and removable prostheses

* Places and removes rubber dams and matrix bands

* Places and removes retraction cord

* Places and removes intracoronal temporary restoration

* Removes temporary crown/bridge and clean tooth preparation of debris

* Fabricates, adjusts and cements temporary crowns

* Removes permanent cement from supragingival surfaces

* Removes sutures

* Places and removes surgical dressings

* Monitors nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia

* Performs coronal polishing of teeth

* Removes hard accretions from and polishes removable prostheses

b. Customer Service

* Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public

* Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery

c. Chairside Assisting

* Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover

* Passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently

* Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably

* Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions

* Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols

* Assists in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistry

* Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant placement and

restoration

* Maintains both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standards

d. Dental Imaging

* 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

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm

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

PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not required

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

* You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.

* All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

* Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.

* Must be proficient in written and spoken English.

* You may be required to serve a probationary period.

* Subject to background/security investigation.

* Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

* Must pass pre-employment physical examination.

* Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

* Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

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).

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:

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 management, and strategic planning.

d. Skill in acting as liaison between staff dental assistants and the supervisor.

e. 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.

Preferred Experience:

At this level, dental assistants serve either as a Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant or Lead Dental Assistant. For all positions above the full performance level, duties must be assigned to the position at least 25% of the time.

(a) Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant

1. Experience: At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level or equivalent that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs:

2. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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).

3. Assignment: In this position, the employee performs a higher level, scope, complexity and variety representing the clinical assignment, and applies advanced clinical skills. Representative duties at this level include, but are not limited to: gathering diagnostic information, pulp vitality testing, charting of existing conditions, placing of rubber dam and matrices, selecting shades, placing retraction cord, placing and removing temporary restorations, fabricating temporary crowns and removing permanent cement from supragingival surfaces. In addition, the expanded function assistant may place and remove surgical dressing, monitor nitrous oxide analgesia, and perform coronal polishing and the cleaning and polishing of removable prostheses.

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/46, PART II, APPENDIX G36The full performance level of this vacancy is 07.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

CODA | Commission on Dental Accreditation

CODA accredits dental schools and dental education programs as well as schedules and oversees site visits for dental education programs.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

* Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

* Benefits

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Review our benefits

* Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

* Professional Certification

* Resume

* SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

* Cover Letter

* DD-214/ Statement of Service

* Disability Letter (Schedule A)

* Disability Letter (VA)

* License

* Other (1)

* PCS Orders

* Professional Certification

* Resume

* Separation Notice (RIF)

* SF-15

* SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

* Transcript

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

* How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/17/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12624601.

* To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

* Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Lizbeth Torres

Phone (415) 221-4810 X24760 Email LIZBETH.TORRES@VA.GOV

Address San Francisco VA Medical Center

4150 Clement Street

San Francisco, CA 94121

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

* Fair and Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

* Criminal history inquiries

* Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

* Financial suitability

* New employee probationary period

* Privacy Act

* Reasonable accommodation policy

* Selective Service

* Signature and false statements

* Social security number request

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Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

* Professional Certification

* Resume

* SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

* Cover Letter

* DD-214/ Statement of Service

* Disability Letter (Schedule A)

* Disability Letter (VA)

* License

* Other (1)

* PCS Orders

* Professional Certification

* Resume

* Separation Notice (RIF)

* SF-15

* SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

* Transcript

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Help

How to Apply

* Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Agency contact information

Lizbeth Torres

Phone (415) 221-4810 X24760 Email LIZBETH.TORRES@VA.GOV

Address San Francisco VA Medical Center

4150 Clement Street

San Francisco, CA 94121

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

* Criminal history inquiries

* Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

* Financial suitability

* New employee probationary period

* Privacy Act

* Reasonable accommodation policy

* Selective Service

* Signature and false statements

* Social security number request

* Email

* Facebook

* LinkedIn

* Twitter

Help

Overview

* Accepting applications

* Open & closing dates

11/26/2024 to 12/17/2024

* Salary

$81,834 - $106,386 per year

* Pay scale & grade

GS 7

* Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

* San Francisco, CA 1 vacancy

* Remote job

* Telework eligible

* Travel Required

Not required

* Relocation expenses reimbursed

* Appointment type

Permanent

* Work schedule

Full-time

* Service

Excepted

* Promotion potential

* Job family (Series)

* 0681 Dental Assistant

* Supervisory status

* Security clearance

Other

* Drug test

Yes

* Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

* Trust determination process

* Credentialing

* Suitability/Fitness

* Financial disclosure

* Bargaining unit status

Yes

* Announcement number

CBSW-12624601-25-LLT

* Control number

821025100

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/821025100. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.