Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

This position is within the Dental Program located at the Truman VAMC in Columbia, MO. The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. Duties include, but not limited to:

• Chair Side Assisting
• Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover.
• Passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably. Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions.
• Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols.
• Assists in routine general dental procedures.
• Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, implants and surgical periodontics.

Dental Imaging

• Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed.
• Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized.
• Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame.
• Knowledge and proper use of digital radiographs.

Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization

• Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up after procedures.
• Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPS standards.
• Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care.
• Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in dental images.

Clerical Functions

• Assists patients in scheduling appointments and in arranging for non-VA care.
• Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancelations and failed appointments.
• Assists dentist in charting and findings treatment plans in patient computerized record keeping system.
• Coordinates and schedules the completion of dental prosthetic procedures on behalf of patients with the dental laboratory.
• Assists with clinic-related administrative and monitoring functions in the day-to-day operation of the dental clinic.

Work Schedule: 7:30am-4:00pm Monday thru Friday

Compressed/Flexible: Not available

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.

Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Telework: Not available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: Dental Assistant GS-0681-06 FS-000000