DENTAL ASSISTANT
In order to qualify, you must meet the general experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Technical and Medical Support Positions and IOR for Dental Assistant, GS-0681 Series. BASIC REQUIREMENT:
NOTE:
Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, they must (1) 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. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
SPECIALIZED
Experience:
Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade (GS-04) or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience includes experience that demonstrates a practical knowledge of standardized procedures and methods used in dentistry, and skill in the techniques and procedures of dental assistance; demonstrates the ability to receive and prepare patients for dental treatment, prepare materials and equipment, assist a dentist at chairside or bedside in the treatment of patients, and to perform reversible intra-oral procedures under the supervision of the dentist; demonstrates the ability to perform dental radiography work; and effectively communicates both orally and in writing with a diverse group of individuals. The OPM Qualification Standard states qualifying specialized experience may have been 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:
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree in a dental assistant or dental hygiene program that included at least 24 semester hours in the following courses:
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. NOTE:
You must submit a copy of your transcripts. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. Creditable education will only be in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree which is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. NOTE:
You must submit a copy of transcripts. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs):
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Knowledge of dental science such as oral anatomy, oral physiology and histology, the principles and techniques of dental assisting, and dental instruments and materials. 2. Knowledge of sterilization techniques sufficient to sterilize dental instruments and equipment. 3. Knowledge of dental terminology and administrative requirements for proper record keeping procedures to maintain patient dental health records, and patient scheduling. 4. Skill and dexterity in manipulating a variety of instruments and equipment while performing dental assisting procedures. 5. Skill in operating and adjusting dental radiographic equipment. PART-TIME OR UNPAID
Experience:
Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK
Experience:
Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
NOTE:
Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, they must (1) 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. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
SPECIALIZED
Experience:
Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade (GS-04) or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience includes experience that demonstrates a practical knowledge of standardized procedures and methods used in dentistry, and skill in the techniques and procedures of dental assistance; demonstrates the ability to receive and prepare patients for dental treatment, prepare materials and equipment, assist a dentist at chairside or bedside in the treatment of patients, and to perform reversible intra-oral procedures under the supervision of the dentist; demonstrates the ability to perform dental radiography work; and effectively communicates both orally and in writing with a diverse group of individuals. The OPM Qualification Standard states qualifying specialized experience may have been 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:
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree in a dental assistant or dental hygiene program that included at least 24 semester hours in the following courses:
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. NOTE:
You must submit a copy of your transcripts. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. Creditable education will only be in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree which is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. NOTE:
You must submit a copy of transcripts. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs):
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Knowledge of dental science such as oral anatomy, oral physiology and histology, the principles and techniques of dental assisting, and dental instruments and materials. 2. Knowledge of sterilization techniques sufficient to sterilize dental instruments and equipment. 3. Knowledge of dental terminology and administrative requirements for proper record keeping procedures to maintain patient dental health records, and patient scheduling. 4. Skill and dexterity in manipulating a variety of instruments and equipment while performing dental assisting procedures. 5. Skill in operating and adjusting dental radiographic equipment. PART-TIME OR UNPAID
Experience:
Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK
Experience:
Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
- Department:
0681 Dental Assistant - Salary Range:
$35,467 to $46,110 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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