Dental Assistant (EF)

Summary

A housing subsidy of up to $510 per pay period without dependents or $605 per pay period with dependents may be available.

The incumbent serves as a Dental Aid/Dental Assistant or Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) under the general administrative and professional direction of either a Supervisory Dental Assistant or a Supervisory Dentist and is located within a hospital or health center in the Billings Area Indian Health Service.

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Duties

• Stores and maintains adequate supplies in dental work areas.
• Performs record keeping duties, prevention duties and chairside assistance to the Dentist.
• Proper cleaning and disinfection of the dental chair, dental operating unit and operatory surfaces.
• Initially greets and seats patients, adjusting operating table or chair.
• Expanded Functions: Restore teeth after preparation has been accomplished. Apply and remove rubber dam, remove temporary fillings using low speed hand piece. Select adapts, seat and cement stainless steel crowns; perform dental laboratory procedures; operate ultra-sonic scalar and use hand instruments.
• Provide dental chairside assisting; apply desensitizing agents, places surgical gauze, apply and remove periodontal dressings and remove sutures; Present information to community groups on oral health and dental disease prevention; enters medical health history into Electronic Dental Record (EDR); Accurately chart and code dental procedure into EDR.
• Responsible for cleaning, sharpening, packaging and sterilizing all dental instruments and proper storage when not in use; uses appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

This is an open continuous vacancy announcement and applications will be referred when vacancies occur. This Announcement is intended as a mechanism of providing consideration for the greatest number of potential candidates. Candidates with a complete application will be considered for all vacancies that occur for a 8-month period or the closing date of this announcement, whichever comes first. You will be considered for those vacancies that match your desired geographic locations, skills and or job preferences. Positions may be filled at ANY of the grade levels indicated in this announcement, with or without promotion potential as vacancies occur. Applicants should specify the lowest grade (GS level) that they will accept.

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Selectee may be subject to a probationary period

U.S. Citizenship is required

Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.

Measles and Rubella immunization required for selectees born after 1957 and seasonal influenza immunization is required for all staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities.

COVID-19 vaccination is required for all selectees prior to entrance on duty.

Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.

You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.

Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

Individual Occupational Requirements

NOTE: Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, they must (l) 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 (2) be certified as radiographers in their field. The following meet these requirements:

(1) Persons employed by the Federal Government as radiologic personnel prior to the effective date of the regulation (January 13, 1986) who show evidence of current or fully satisfactory performance or certification of such from a licensed practitioner such as a doctor of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, podiatry, or chiropractic who prescribes radiologic procedures to others.

(2) Persons first employed by the Federal Government as radiologic personnel after the effective date of the regulation who (a) received training from institutions in a State or foreign jurisdiction that did not accredit training in that particular field at the time of graduation, or (b) practiced in a State or foreign jurisdiction that did not license that particular field or did not allow special eligibility to take a licensure examination for those who did not graduate from an accredited educational program, provided such persons show evidence of training, experience, and competence, as determined by OPM or the employing agency.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The following shows the amounts of education and/or experience required to qualify for positions covered by this standard:

GS-02: 3 months of general experience or High school graduation or equivalent.

GS-03: 6 months of general experience

GS-04: 6 months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience

GS-05: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-04

GS-06: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-05.

General Experience

(l) Any type of work that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to perform the work of the position OR

(2) experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation.

Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Experience in dental assistance to general or specialized dentistry, dental assistant (expanded function) work, or any combination of these appropriate to the position being filled.

• OR —

Education and Training

GS-03: Successful completion of (a) a 1-year dental assistant program or completion of l year of a dental hygiene program accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Accreditation that included a course in radiation physics; radiation biology; radiation health, safety, and protection; X-ray films and radiographic film quality, radiographic techniques; darkroom and processing techniques; and film mounting; or (b) practical nurse training approved by the appropriate State, territory, or District of Columbia accrediting body.

GS-04: Successful completion of a 2-year dental assistant program or completion of a 2-year dental hygiene program accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Accreditation that included at least 12 semester hours of courses such as those shown above for GS-3.

GS-05: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in a dental assistant or dental hygiene program that included at least 24 semester hours in courses as shown above for GS-3.

Examples of specialized experience:

GS-04: Clean, polish and oil equipment. Clean and sharpen instruments; sterilize instruments using autoclave and dryclave techniques. Prepare sterile trays, packs, sutures, etc. Schedule and route patients for services as required. Receive and prepare patients for treatment such as routine restoration. Lay out instruments and materials needed for treatment. Provide chairside assistance during oral examinations and restorative treatments. Operate oral evacuator and suction tip to keep area of operation clear. Retract tissue, cheek and tongue. Relay to patient post treatment instructions from dentist.

GS-05: Receive patients and schedules appointments. Record information related to medical history of patient. When required route patient for medical tests and services. Chart examination and treatment information as relayed by dentist on patient records. Record information as directed by dentist on prescriptions and a variety of forms related to dental care for signature of dentist. Prepare and arrange all instruments and materials needed for each treatment. Prepare patient and operatory. Assist dentist at chair side as anticipated or required in all phases of general dentistry. Pass instruments and materials to and retrieve them from the dentist. Keep area of operation clear using high speed evacuator, suction tip and irrigation. Retract tissue, tongue and cheek. In surgical procedures maintain aseptic condition, stabilize tissue for dentist and cut sutures. Keep alert to condition of patient during treatment for signs of fainting, shock, or other distress. Relay to patient instructions from dentist for post-treatment care. Operate dental X-ray equipment to take intra and extra-oral radiographs. Develop and finish film.

GS-06: Maintain supply levels and cleanliness of dental station; sterilize instruments, materials and equipment. Assist patient in completing medical history statements. Record examination and treatment information as relayed by dentist. Instruct patient in preventive dental care: demonstrate brushing and flossing techniques and use of disclosing tablets; explain the common cause of decay and its relationship to general diet. Take preliminary impressions for study models and modify impression trays as needed. Pour and trim models from impressions. Construct custom impression trays. Restore teeth prepared by dentist; place cavity bases and liners on prepared tooth; place matrix bands and wedges when required; place, condense, carve and finish simple amalgam restorations, such as those not requiring retentive pins or cusp replacement; places, compress and finish synthetic single-surface anterior restorations; place and contour temporary restorations. Apply rubber dam and place cotton rolls to isolate operative site. As directed by dentist remove sutures, apply topical anesthesia, desensitizing agents, medication and surgical gauze following extractions, apply and remove periodontal dressings. Expose and develop intra and extra-oral radiographs. Provide chairside assistance, anticipating dentist’s need for various instruments, materials and services. Place pit and fissure sealants.

You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Education

There are no education requirements, however if you are substituting education for experience, you are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.

Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.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/.

Additional information

Per IHS policy (SGM 21-04) IHS selectees to positions located in Federally operated hospitals, health centers, and clinics must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before entry on duty or have IHS approve a medical or religious exemption. If an exemption is approved then wearing a face mask and regular testing for COVID-19 will be required. Your Human Resources Specialist will provide a list of documents acceptable as vaccination proof and instructions on how to submit your vaccination documentation or how to request a medical or religious exemption, if needed.

Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.

This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit.

Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 6 month service agreement will be required.

This position has promotion potential to the GS-06 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management’s discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and “Regulatory/Administrative” approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.

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• Benefits
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• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

If you meet the minimum qualifications requirements for this position, your application will be evaluated and rated under Category Rating selection procedures. Once the application process is complete, a review of your qualifications will be conducted to determine if you are qualified for this job. Qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The quality categories are: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within each of these categories, applicants eligible for veteran’s preference will receive selection priority over non-preference eligibles.

Please note that if, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your category rating can and will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

To determine if you are qualified for this position, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against the qualifications as defined in the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement and your responses to the assessment questions. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume (your resume must state specific duties that relate to this position) and your responses to the assessment questions will be evaluated against the duties you provided in your resume, along with your submitted documentation to determine your ability to demonstrate the following.

• Interpersonal Skills
• Teaching Others
• Technical Competence

The following links below provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities. If you are a Veteran, qualified CTAP and ICTAP eligible, or an individual with a disability, please refer to the following links below for additional guidance. CTAP and ICTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a “well qualified” rating of 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management’s Workforce Restructuring Career Transition website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. CTAP/ICTAP documentation requirements are listed in the “Required Documents” section of this announcement.

• Veterans, i.e. (VEOA, VRA, and 30% or more disabled) – https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/
• Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) – http://www.ihs.gov/jobs/support-documents/
• Interagency Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) – https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/
• Schedule A Appointments for the Disabled – https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/hiring/

Click here to view vacancy questions: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12317623. All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of, 12/31/2024, to be considered.

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How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.

1. Click ‘Apply’ to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
2. Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or supporting documents.
3. Read all Eligibility questions and respond accordingly. .
4. Complete the assessment questions.
5. Verify all required documentation is included in your application package

For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) found here: http://www.ihs.gov/jobs/index.cfm?module=search&option=faq.

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Agency contact information

Kandis Real Bird Kandis Real Bird

Phone

406-208-1984

Email

kandis.realbird@ihs.gov

Address

Billings Area Indian Health Service

2900 4th Avenue North

Billings, MT 59101

US

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Next steps

You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJobs that your submission was successful once we have received your on-line occupational questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJobs Account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.

If all required documentation is not submitted with your application you will lose consideration. It is the applicant’s responsibility to verify that information and documents entered, uploaded, or faxed are received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.

~ ~ ~ Indian Health Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~ ~ ~

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