Dental Assistant

Summary This position is located in the Dental Service at the Salem VA Medical Center (VAMC). The role performs the duties of a dental assistant in a hospital‑based dental clinic, serving as a staff assistant who assists the provider and utilizes techniques of four‑handed dentistry. Qualifications Applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of 07/16/2026. Basic Requirements United States Citizenship; non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens (VA policy). Experience: Six months demonstrating ability to perform work or familiarity with the work, OR education: successful completion of a 1‑year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association’s CODA, or equivalent combinations of experience and education. Certification: Radiologic competency as required by Public Law 97‑35 and 42 CFR Part 75; must be certified as a radiographer in the field. Dental radiology credential: successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by DANB, or alternative approved courses, or a state board of dentistry or DoD program, and DANB certification (highly desirable for appointments up to full performance). GS‑03: none beyond basic requirements; GS‑04: one year experience at the next lower level or two years of education above high school including a CODA‑accredited program. Knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) including infection control, basic dental procedures, radiographic capture and processing, equipment maintenance, patient privacy, and ability to work under daily supervision. Duties Prepare and seat patients; position dental chairs; place napkins; perform sterilization and disinfection; assist chairside; report medical emergencies; prepare trays and instrument setups. Expose and process basic dental radiographs under supervision; mount, label, or save digital images to the medical record; follow equipment maintenance guidelines. Assist in complex patient procedures under direct supervision of senior staff; respond to basic medical emergencies; measure and record vital signs; provide pre‑ and post‑operative instructions. Maintain a field of operation during procedures by retracting, suctioning, irrigating, drying, and placing/removing cotton rolls; apply four‑handed dentistry concepts; assist with basic restorative procedures; mix basic dental materials; assist in laboratory prescription forms; apply pressure indicator paste to removable prostheses. Evaluate radiographs for diagnostic quality; maintain routine equipment per manufacturer and service standards. Assist with specialty procedures including oral surgery, periodontal therapy, endodontic, prosthodontic, and implant procedures; anticipate needs; take preliminary impressions; manipulate gypsum and waxes; fabricate custom trays; evaluate diagnostic casts. Physical Requirements Regular exposure to radiation and communicable diseases; use lead shielding and personal protective equipment such as gowns, masks, eyewear, and gloves. Long periods of standing, walking, sitting, and bending are required for the entire shift. Benefits and Compensation Work Schedule: 7:30 AM–4:00 PM, every other Friday off. No telework. Salary: Competitive salary with regular increases; a higher step rate may be determined for higher or unique qualifications. Paid Time Off: 37–50 days annual paid time; includes 13–26 days leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 federal holidays. Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months employment. Child Care Subsidy: Eligible for up to 25 % of childcare costs up to $416.66 monthly. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and 401(k) with up to 5 % VA contribution. Health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care insurance (federal programs). #J-18808-Ljbffr