Supervisory Dental Assistant

Veterans Health Administration • Hot Springs, SD

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Supervisory Dental Assistant position is within the VA Black Hills Health Care System and supports operations at Fort Meade and Hot Springs, South Dakota. The incumbent supervises, administratively manages, and directs dental assistants, with full supervisory responsibility for a section or equivalent work unit requiring three or more dental assistants. The role may include full administrative and professional responsibility for planning and directing dental-assisting activities for the service or an equivalent unit at an independent outpatient clinic.

The incumbent assists the Dental Service Chief with clinic operations, including policy and performance standards development, equipment requests, and workload analysis. The role coordinates clinical workflow and assignments, monitors staff performance, resolves workplace issues, evaluates competency and training needs, and maintains effective working relationships. The Supervisory Dental Assistant also independently performs complex dental-assisting work, supports direct patient care, and performs clinical and clerical functions.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. The full performance level is GS-08.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA exception for recruiting qualified citizens.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level demonstrating the core competencies for GS-8.
• Current certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple practice areas and ability to guide staff dental assistants.
• Skill in coordinating clinical workflow and assignments.
• Ability to assist the Chief with dental clinic operations related to policy development, equipment requests, and workload analysis.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, cooperative work relationships.
• Ability to analyze clinically appropriate data to optimize quality, performance, and productivity within a section.
• Ability to perform supervisory functions, including assessing competency, providing performance appraisals, and managing training.
• Radiologic credentialing: successful completion of an accepted dental radiation health and safety examination, approved courses and examinations, or a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the Department of Defense.
• Meet the basic experience and education pathway for dental assistants: six months of qualifying experience, successful completion of a one-year CODA-accredited dental assistant program, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Meet VA pre-employment conditions, including applicable drug testing, background/security investigation, onboarding and identification requirements, and participation in seasonal influenza vaccination.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable, subject to written certification for continued employment.
• Complete a pre-employment physical examination or evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Plan and direct dental-assisting activities for the service or equivalent unit as delegated.
• Assist the Dental Service Chief with clinic operations, policy and performance standards development, equipment requests, and workload analysis.
• Analyze clinically appropriate data to optimize quality, performance, and productivity within the section.
• Coordinate clinical workflow, assign work, adjust assignments to meet priorities, and maintain efficient patient-care flow.
• Hear and resolve employee complaints and workplace issues.
• Develop and provide training to dental assistants, students, trainees, and volunteers; assess staff competency and training needs.
• Perform supervisory functions, including performance appraisals, managing training, approving leave, and recommending advancements, promotions, disciplinary actions, awards, or recognition.
• Interview candidates for dental assistant positions and recommend appointment, promotion, or reassignment.
• Maintain current knowledge of procedures, policies, and directives and answer team members' questions.
• Establish and maintain effective, cooperative working relationships within the dental service and facility, and coordinate team priorities, goals, needs, and achievements with management.
• Independently perform complex dental-assisting work in assigned specialties and supervise, lead, and assist other dental assistants.
• Maintain current Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification.
• Assist dentists with direct patient care; receive and prepare patients for treatment and assist chairside, bedside, or in the operating room.
• Perform clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision.
• Expose standard and specialty dental images, including cone-beam imaging, in traditional or digital formats while using imaging safety techniques and minimizing retakes.
• Help fill gaps in the doctor's schedule caused by late cancellations and failed appointments.
• Undertake ancillary assignments, including program management, as needed.

Benefits

• The announcement describes a comprehensive federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed