Senior Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant

Veterans Health Administration•Stockton, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is with the Department of Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care System (VANCHCS), a Level 1a complexity healthcare system serving the VA Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21). The Senior Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant performs advanced dental assisting duties, including restorative and preventive procedures, dental imaging quality control, and specialty functions. The position is not available for telework or virtual work. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Relocation, recruitment incentives, and permanent change of station are not authorized. The position is in the Excepted Service and requires a 1- or 2-year trial period.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level or equivalent demonstrating the core competencies for GS-8.
At least six months of experience demonstrating ability to perform the work or familiarity with the work, or successful completion of a one-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation; equivalent combinations of experience and education may qualify.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Meet radiologic competence requirements through an accepted credential, course, or examination pathway, including qualifying Dental Assisting National Board radiography certification or another approved program or examination.
Complete the required application steps and online assessment.
Pass required pre-employment screening, including a physical examination and, for applicants selected tentatively for testing-designated positions, urinalysis for illegal drug use.
Meet background and security investigation requirements and complete online onboarding.
Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
DANB Certified Dental Assistant certification is stated as required in the preferred-experience section.

Nice To Haves

One year of EFDA experience preferred.
Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable.
DANB certification is described as highly desirable for Dental Assistant appointments up to and including the full performance level.

Responsibilities

Perform supragingival scaling.
Place pit and fissure sealants.
Place and finish permanent restorative materials, including amalgam, glass ionomer, and composite resin.
Make final impressions and adjust dentures.
Place liners and bases, carve amalgams, and place, cure, and finish composite resin restorations.
Manage the imaging quality control program, troubleshoot imaging issues, and make appropriate referrals for identified issues.
Participate in developing equipment requests and justifications based on workload analysis.
Perform specialty functions that may include managing post-surgical bleeding, tying in arch wires, and selecting and placing orthodontic brackets.