Dental Assistant

Civilian Dental AssistantThis position is with 81st Medical Group, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. Salary: Up to $52,957 per yearThe dental clinic features representation from all major dental specialties, including oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, pedodontics, and orthodontics. It serves as a major regional referral and consultant hub for surrounding military organizations.DutiesReceive patients and conduct preliminary screening.Assist dentist with simple and complex procedures such as tooth removal, surgical removal of impacted teeth, alveoloplasty, minor preprosthetic surgery of hard and soft tissues, and excisional biopsies.Observe patient throughout treatment for signs of syncope, shock, or other reactions to treatment.Provide oral hygiene instruction for care of prosthodontic appliances.Perform dental radiographic work.Relay dentist instructions to patients for post-treatment care.QualificationsWho May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Basic Requirement for Dental Assistant:Radiology Certification: 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. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes performing intra-oral procedures, taking preliminary impressions, and operating dental x-ray equipment. OREducation: Successful completion of a full four-year course of study in a dental assistant or dental hygiene program that included at least 24 semester hours of courses 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. ORCombination of Education and Experience: 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%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of education beyond two years (total semester hours minus 60) by 60. Add the two percentages.