Dental Assistant

Summary A Dental Assistant is a member of the Dental Service, which provides restorative, endodontic, periodontal, removable and fixed prosthodontics, implant restorative, and minor oral surgery procedures. The Dental Service is aligned under the Surgical/Specialty Care Service Line. Qualifications Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work — or provides familiarity with the work. Successful completion of a 1‑year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. Certification: Public Law 97‑35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Applicants must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds these standards, be accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education, and be certified as radiographers in their field. Alternatives include completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), completion of the Principles and Practice of Dental Radiology and Radiographic Safety courses and examinations developed by the Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Dentistry, or completion of a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the Department of Defense. Non‑certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate dental assistant under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(a)(1)(D). Failure to obtain certification during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable. Physical Requirements: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Directive 5019. They may qualify based on the Grandfathering Provision described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (applicable only to current VHA employees who meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: Basic requirements are summarized below by GS level. For GS‑3 and GS‑4, applicants may have no additional requirements beyond those listed above, or 1‑year experience at the next lower level or 2 years of education above high school that includes completion of a CODA‑accredited program. For GS‑5 and GS‑6, applicants must additionally demonstrate knowledge of infection control, dental procedures, basic radiographic imaging, equipment maintenance, patient privacy, anatomy, emergency care, communication skills, and the ability to use software programs used within VHA and laboratory procedures. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑6; the actual grade may be in the range of GS‑3 to GS‑6. Duties Chairside Assisting: Assists in routine general dental and specialized procedures (oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics) using four‑handed dentistry; sets up and breaks down operatories; passes instruments safely and efficiently; maintains clear operative field; prepares medicaments and impression materials; performs intra‑operative procedures within standard infection‑control protocols. Patient Care: Takes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary prostheses; removes temporary crowns and bridges; places rubber dams and matrix bands; completes medication reconciliation; 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 clean‑up; prepares instruments and materials; processes instruments for sterilization per SPD standards; demonstrates proper infection‑control procedures during imaging; performs reprocessing of reusable medical devices. Dental Laboratory Functions: Pours 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; helps manage the provider’s schedule; uses VA software for electronic documentation, communication and record retrieval; locates appointments and ensures completion of dental laboratory cards. Patient Safety and Coordination: Modifies care based on patient age, condition, and abilities; contributes to treatment‑planning discussions; evaluates chief complaints and identifies conditions requiring immediate attention; verifies informed consent. Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm; alternate Fridays off. Benefits Competitive salary with regular increases. Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days per year (13‑26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military experience. Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave after 12 months of employment upon birth, adoption, or foster care placement. Child‑Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full‑time employees with combined family income below $144,000 may be eligible for subsidy up to 25% of eligible childcare costs (maximum $416.66 per month). Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contributions. Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care (many federal programs may continue into retirement). Telework: Not available; virtual: not possible. Recruitment Incentive: Sign‑on bonus may be authorized for highly qualified candidates. Permanent Change of Station: Not authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr