Dental Assistant- Expanded Function

A Dental Assistant (LDA) with Expanded Functions (EFDA) responsibilities combines leadership, advanced clinical skills, and administrative duties to ensure efficient, high-quality dental care.

*** This JOA has been amended to change closing date to 10/23/20206*** Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized A Lead Dental Assistant with expanded functions is both a clinical leader and a multi-skilled operator, capable of advanced procedures, team leadership, and administrative oversight. The exact scope depends on state regulations and individual certification, but the role blends hands-on patient care with operational management to improve efficiency and quality in dental practices Other duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Guide and train junior dental assistants on clinical procedures, patient management, and administrative tasks Assist dentists during a wide range of treatments, including preparing instruments, ensuring patient comfort, and maintaining a sterile environment Perform advanced procedures permitted by state law, such as: Applying sealants, coronal polishing, topical anesthetic, or fluoride Placing/finishing fillings, preparing composite resin or dental cement Taking and processing dental X-rays Administering local anesthesia under dentist supervision Manage inventory of dental supplies and equipment, placing orders and verifying receipt Coordinate patient scheduling and appointment bookings to optimize dentist time Maintain accurate, confidential patient records and treatment plans Process billing and payments and handle front-desk tasks Educate patients on oral hygiene, post-operative care, and preventive measures Ensure compliance with dental office policies, infection control protocols, and regulatory standards May be responsible for more complex procedures and independent chairside support compared to standard dental assistants Technical proficiency in dental procedures and infection control Leadership and mentoring abilities for junior staff Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM(Note: Work schedules are determined and approved by the supervisor. The incumbent may be required to work various shifts on a permanent or temporary basis based on facility/patient care needs).

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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. 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). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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/.