Dental Assistant

Allied Health Professional DutiesTotal Rewards of an Allied Health Professional Duties include but are not limited to the following:Chairside Assisting Assists in routine general dental procedures using four-handed dentistry.Sets up and breaks down operatories for procedures, ensuring efficient room turnoverPasses instruments safely, accurately and efficientlyMaintains clear operative field and provides effective and comfortable tissue retractionPrepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer instructionsPerforms all intra-operative procedures within standard infection-control protocolsAssists in specialized procedures (oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics) with guidance from senior or supervisory dental assistant or the treating dentist.Direct Patient Care Takes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary prothesis.Removes temporary crowns and bridges and cleans preparationsPlaces rubber dams and matrix bands.Completes medication reconciliation as appropriate.Provides post-operative patient education.Dental Imaging Captures diagnostic-quality images, properly exposed and oriented.Implements radiation-safety techniques and minimizes retakes.Completes imaging requests within required timeframes.Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Follows all infection-control standards for operatory set up and cleanupPrepares instruments and materials in a manner that supports timely clinical care.Processes instruments for sterilization per SPD standards.Demonstrates proper infection control procedures during dental imaging.Performs reprocessing of reusable medical devices within assigned competencies.Dental Laboratory Functions Pour impressions and fabricates study models.Completes additional laboratory tasks as time and skill allow.Performs other dental laboratory duties as assigned.Clerical Functions Assists dentists in charting clinical findings and treatment plans in patient recordsHelps manage the provider's schedule, including filling gaps due to cancellations or no-showsUses VA software for electronic documentation, communication and record retrieval (VistA, CPRS, DRM+)Locates appointments and properly completes all dental laboratory cards to ensure readiness for patient carePatient Safety Modifies care by patient's age, condition and abilitiesCare Coordination and Patient Management Contributes to treatment-planning discussions and processesEvaluates chief complaints and identifies conditions requiring immediate attentionVerifies that informed consent has been obtained for planned proceduresOther duties as assignedWork Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am to 5:00pm; alternate Fridays offRelocation/Recruitment Incentive: May Be Authorized for Highly Qualified CandidatesPermanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not AuthorizedPay: Competitive salary and regular salary increasesPaid 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 $416.66Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VAInsurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)Telework: Not AvailableVirtual: This is not a virtual position.Functional Statement #: 000000Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized