Summary

GS-8 Supervisory Dental Assistant 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. Has full supervisory responsibility over a section or equivalent work unit which would require three or more dental assistants.

Qualifications

All requirements must be met by the close date of this announcement - 09/30/2025.

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
• Experience and Education: 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
• OR - 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 (GS-6)
• English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English
• Grade Determinations: GS-8 Supervisory Dental Assistant Experience: At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level - GS-7 - that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level
• These include: Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice - and demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants
• Skill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignments
• Ability to assist in dental program development - outcome management - and strategic planning
• Skill in acting as liaison between staff dental assistants and the supervisor
• Ability to provide professional oversight and consultation for staff dental assistants
• AND Certification: Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) AND Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs): The candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*) a
• Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice - and the demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants
• b
• Skill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignments
• c
• Ability to assist the Chief in Dental Clinic operations related to policy development - equipment requests and workload analysis
• d
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative work relationships
• e
• Ability to analyze clinically appropriate data effectively to optimize quality - performance - and productivity within section
• f
• *Ability to perform supervisory functions such as assessing competency - providing performance appraisals and managing training
• Preferred Experience: Supervisory experience
• Experience working with dental insurance Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position
• Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Duties

• The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers
• This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest
• As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care - you will operate in a model with three core elements - seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran
• This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community
• This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being
• Duties include - but are not limited to: 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
• Has full supervisory responsibility over a section or equivalent work unit which would require three or more dental assistants
• Assists the Dental Service Chief in clinic operations related to policy and performance standards development - equipment requests and workload analysis
• Will analyze clinically appropriate data to effectively optimize quality - performance - and productivity within the section
• 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
• Individuals may perform ancillary assignments - including program management
• Establishes and maintains effective and cooperative work relationships within the dental service and the facility
• Tasks are completed and good working relationships among team members and with management are maintained
• Team priorities and goals - needs - and achievements are coordinated with management
• Serves in dental assistant positions independently performing more complex work in assigned specialties and supervises - leads - and assists other dental assistants
• Must maintain current Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification
• Assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independent of direct supervision
• Receives and prepares patients for dental treatment and assists the dentist at chairside - bedside or in the operating room
• Work Schedule: Full-time
• 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