Dentist

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. HPTs who are on track to graduate/complete the requirements should respond as if they have met the requirements. Provide details in the narrative sections of the assessment.

Dentist Basic Requirements

• Education: A degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery or dental medicine resulting from a course of education in dentistry. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed. Approved schools are (1) United States and Canadian schools of dentistry listed by the Commission on Dental Accreditation(CODA), in the list published for the year in which the course of study was completed.(2) Schools (including foreign schools) accepted by the licensing body of a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia as qualifying for full and unrestricted licensure provided the licensure requirements include a written examination measuring science achievement and a performance examination measuring clinical competence certification, and must obtain a copy of the ECFMG certificate, if claimed by the applicant. ~AND~
• Residency: Completed, or you are currently completing, a residency program in general practice or specialty, or comparable experience as a dentist actively involved in treating medically compromised patients. ~AND~
• Licensure: Currently hold, or will hold, a current, full and unrestricted license to practice dentistry in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. Note: Dentists must maintain current registration in the State of licensure if this is a requirement for continuing active, current licensure.
• English Language Proficiency: Dentists, including residents, appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).

Preferred Experience:
-Completion of a AEGD program or 5-years' experience in general dentistry.
-Experience with CAD-CAM dentistry to include prep, design and delivery of crowns, inlays, onlays, fixed and removable partial dentures.
-Clinical/didactic familiarity with cone beam CT and digital treatment planning
-Experience with Endodontic and Surgical procedures.
-Experience with medically and cognitively compromised patients.
-Customer Service oriented - good Communication skills
-Commitment to VHA organization goals.
-Familiar with VHA policies and Joint Commission standards.

Grade Determinations:

Staff Dentist: An individual that demonstrates the ability in the field of general dentistry or a dental specialty who is employed to perform the duties related to various professional activities of patient care and treatment without supervision. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, applicants must demonstrate ability in the general practice of dentistry; be capable of assisting in maintaining accepted standards of professional care in VA facilities; and be capable of accepting full responsibility for the proper care and treatment of assigned patients.

References: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-3 Dentist Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

Physical Requirements: The position requires light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds), use of fingers, both hands required, walking (2 hours), standing (4 hours), repeated bending (2 hours), specific visual requirement (DVA & NVA Binocular 20/20), both eyes required, depth perception, ability to distinguish shades of colors, and hearing (aid permitted).