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Position Title
Dental Assistant / Dental Assistant (EF)
Agency
Indian Health Service
Announcement Number
IHS-23-AQ-11909058-DE Opens in new window
Open Period
Friday, March 31, 2023 to Saturday, September 30, 2023
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy AND
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
(limit characters)
3. Are you an American Indian/Alaska Native who is enrolled in a federally recognized tribe as defined by the Secretary of Interior? The Indian Health Service gives qualified American Indian/Alaska Natives preference when filling vacancies in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC, Section 472), with approved exceptions.

If eligible, submit a copy of your Bureau of Indian Affairs Form 4432, "Verification of Indian preference for employment in the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service," that has been completed by authorized tribal or BIA Officials. For more information, review the IHS Indian Preference guidelines: http://www.ihs.gov/jobs/permanentDocs/indianpreference.pdf.
(limit characters)
4. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?

If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy and
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of ICTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
(limit characters)
5. Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for Schedule A Disability appointments?

If eligible, provide proof of disability with appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.

For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
2. This position is covered by Public Law 101-630, the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act (25 United States Code Chapter 34) requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this law, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been arrested for or charged with certain crimes involving a child. Responding yes to this question can make you ineligible for employment in this position. You will be contacted if additional information is required. Have you ever been arrested for or charged with a crime involving a child? (limit characters)
3. This position is covered by Public Law 101-630, the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act (25 United States Code Chapter 34) requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this law, 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 against persons or offenses committed against children. Responding yes to this question makes you ineligible for employment in this position. You will be contacted if additional information is required. Have you ever been found guilty of, or entered a plea of nolo contendere (no contest) or guilty to, any felonious offense, or any two or more misdemeanor offenses under federal, state, or tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact or prostitution; or crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children? (limit characters)
4. I certify that (1) my responses to questions one and two are made under penalty of perjury, which is punishable by fine under title 18 of the United States Code, or imprisonment of not more than five years, or both; and (2) I have received notice that a criminal check will be conducted. I understand my right to obtain a copy of any criminal history report made available to the Indian Health Service and my right to challenge the accuracy and completeness of any information contained in the report. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in this Dental Assistant/Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) position with the Indian Health Service. We will evaluate your resume and your responses to this Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are among the best qualified for this position. Your responses are subject to verification. Please review your responses for accuracy before you submit this questionnaire. SECTION I. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND FACTORS. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
1. Individual Occupational Requirements
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 dental radiographers. Do you meet the above requirement?
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2. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION, GS-04, Dental Assistant
Select one response that best describes your experience which demonstrates your ability to perform the work of this position at the GS-04. Select only one response and do not leave blank. NOTE: Your 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.
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3. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION, GS-05, Dental Assistant
Select one response that best describes your experience which demonstrates your ability to perform the work of this position at the GS-05. Select only one response and do not leave blank. NOTE: Your 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.
(limit characters)
4. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION, GS-06, Dental Assistant
Select one response below that best describes your experience which demonstrates your ability to perform the work of this position at the GS-06 level. Select only one response and do not leave blank. NOTE: Your 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.
(limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
5. Special Requirements for GS-5 and above Dental Assistant (Expanded Function)
Have you completed 1 year of acceptable course work, preceptorship, or other formal training and/or work assignments specifically designed to equip the applicant with knowledge and skills required to perform intra-oral procedures involved in the position to be filled?
Examples of acceptable training are:
-Courses in a dental hygiene or dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Accreditation that are directly related to the intra-oral procedures (also referred to as expanded functions) that are to be performed in the position to be filled.
-U.S. Army's Dental Therapy Assistant Training Program.
-Continuing education courses in expanded functions for dental assistants offered by the Indian Health Service of the Department of Health and Human Services.
-Other training comparable to the above in private or governmental hospitals, clinics, or schools that included formal classroom instruction and clinical training in the knowledge and skills required to perform intra-oral procedures in the position to be filled.
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Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
6. Assist in all phases of simple and complex restorative treatment. (limit characters)
7. Conduct dental cleaning and removal of supragingivial calculus, as instructed by a licensed provider. (limit characters)
8. Perform routine restoration of teeth with alloy and composite materials. (limit characters)
9. Performs routine dental laboratory procedures, including pouring and trimming models, constructing custom trays, fabricating base plates and bite rims. (limit characters)
10. Provide preventive services including screenings, fluoride treatments, placement of sealants, placement of temporary fillings, and simple teeth cleanings. (limit characters)
11. Provided chairside dental assisting in all disciplines of dentistry and performed appropriate infection control. (limit characters)
12. Clean and maintain unit and clinical equipment. (limit characters)
13. Clean and maintain x-ray equipment and materials. (limit characters)
14. Clean, sharpen, package, and sterilize instruments using autoclaving and cold sterilization techniques. (limit characters)
15. Responsible for maintaining sundry supply inventory and requisitioning new supplies and equipment as needed. (limit characters)
16. Setting up dental instruments and materials for amalgam and composite restorations. (limit characters)
17. Use ultra sonic scaler (cavitron) or similar instrument to remove calculus. (limit characters)
18. Chart examination and treatment information for patients as relayed by dentist. (limit characters)
19. File and retrieve patient records. (limit characters)
20. Prepare prescription and lab work orders to be signed by the dentist. (limit characters)
21. Upload data into electronic software. (limit characters)
22. Using dental terminology to accurately record treatment and examination information in patients file. (limit characters)
23. Utilize automated dental systems to chart and record oral health information. (limit characters)
24. Collect information to assist the dentist in the triage of patients. (limit characters)
25. Educate patients about the processes of dental caries and periodontal disease. (limit characters)
26. Instruct patients in preventative and post-operative care procedures. (limit characters)
27. Provide chair side instructions to dental auxiliaries participating in continuing education activities. (limit characters)
28. Providing instructions to patients about brushing and flossing care. (limit characters)
29. Works independently with little direction to accomplish tasks related to long term project that are more than 6 months in duration. (limit characters)
30. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position. (limit characters)