Supervisory Dental Assistant

About the position

This position is located in Dental Service at the Aleda Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan. The Supervisory Dental Assistant is responsible for the supervision, administrative management, and direction of dental assistants. The incumbent may be delegated full administrative and professional responsibility for planning and directing the dental assisting activities for the service or equivalent unit at an independent outpatient clinic.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the supervision, administrative management, and direction of dental assistants.
• May be delegated full administrative and professional responsibility for planning and directing the dental assisting activities for the service or equivalent unit at an independent outpatient clinic.
• Assists the Dental Service Chief in clinic operations related to policy and performance standards development, equipment requests and workload analysis.
• Coordinates clinical workflow and makes work assignments, hears and resolves employee complaints and workplace issues, and maintains efficient flow of patient care.
• Develops and provides training to staff dental assistants, students and/or trainees.
• Performs supervisory functions such as assessing competency, providing performance appraisals and managing training.
• Approves periods of leave; recommends special advancements and promotions, disciplinary actions, etc.
• Establishes and maintains effective and cooperative work relationships within the dental service and the facility.
• Serves in staff dental assistant positions independently performing more complex work in assigned specialties.
• Assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independent of direct supervision.
• Supervises a team of employees performing at the GS-8 level or below.
• Plans and assigns work and makes adjustments in accordance with established priorities.
• Evaluates the performance, progress, and training needs of subordinate employees.
• Prepares performance appraisals and performance improvement plans when problems are identified.
• Interviews candidates for dental assistant positions, recommends appointment, promotion, or reassignment.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• 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).
• Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work, or provides familiarity with the work.
• Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
• Dental Radiographer Certification.
• Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certification.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a supervisory role within a dental setting.
• Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice.
• Skill in coordinating clinical workflow and assignments.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee.
• Eligibility for annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service experience.