Lead Dental Assistant

The Lead Dental Assistant assists the Dental Assistant supervisor or Service Chief to monitor and make work assignments provide input on performance resolve daily workplace issues and maintain efficient flow of patient care. The major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assures the work assignments of employees in the unit are carried out.
• Coordinates daily dental assistant work assignments at the start of the shift and throughout the day as the need arises.
• Serves as Systems Redesign Coordinator.
• Trains employees (dentist dental residents and dental assistants) in computerized dental patient record systems including generating patient consults storing and viewing digital images entry of diagnostic data and preparation of treatment planning.
• Provides input in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the dental staff for Reusable Medical Equipment.
• Participates in the management of dental supplies to assure adequate stock levels and appropriate storage.
• Serves as a liaison between the scheduler and the dentist to maintain efficient and productive use of the dentists patient care time and minimize missed opportunities.
• Reports to the supervisor on individual performance progress and training needs of employees and on performance problems.
• Maintains the dental station and treatment area in a clean and operational condition.
• Monitors function of dental equipment and requests repair or replacement.
• Assists in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistry.
• Sets up operatory and surgery suites for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover.
• Performs other duties as assigned

• 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 ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers 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.

• 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.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:
a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with chapter 3 section A paragraph 3g this part.)

b. Experience and Education
(1) Experience. Six months experience that demonstrates the applicants ability to perform the work or provides familiarity with the work.
OR

(2) Education. Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Associations Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)

(3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying.

c. Certification. Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes DANB as the national certification for Dental Assistants AND is required for all positions above the full performance level.. This is an above full performance grade level.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations:
GS-7 Lead Dental Assistant

1. Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that addition the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs:

2. Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities
a. Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple areas of practice and demonstrated ability to provide guidance to staff dental assistants.
b. Skill in coordinating clinical work flow and assignments.
c. Ability to assist in dental program development outcome management and strategic planning.
d. Skill in acting as liaison between staff dental assistants and the supervisor.
e. Ability to provide professional oversight and consultation for staff dental assistants.

3. Assignment. The Lead Dental Assistant works with the supervisor or Chief Dental Service to monitor and make work assignments provide input on performance resolve daily workplace issues and maintain efficient flow of patient care; may approve brief periods of leave provide training to staff dental assistants students and/or trainees; may recommend special advancements and promotions disciplinary actions etc. Assignments at this level include but are not limited to: provides instruction to other assistants in achieving diagnostic quality radiographs provides instruction in maintenance of all dental service equipment provides primary support to the chief for the daily delivery of department programs reporting staffing and scheduling coordinates the patients care plans to reduce redundancies and delay in patient treatment. Lead Dental Assistants generally would be found in Complexity Level 1 (High Complexity) or Complexity Level 2 (Medium Complexity) facilities or in facilities of lesser complexity levels where large dental services are found. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments including program management duties on an occasional basis.


Reference: For more information on this qualification standard please visit Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); walking (2 hours); standing (2 hours); repeated bending (2 hours); near vision corrected to 13 to 16; far vision correctable in on eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other; and hearing (aid permitted).