Dental Assistant

Summary The Dental Assistant performs a wide range of intra-oral dental procedures associated with various phases of restorative, prosthetic, periodontal, endodontic, oral surgery, implant placement and restoration procedures and provides chairside assistance fully anticipating the dentist's needs for all instruments, materials, and services using four-handed techniques. Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Responsibilities Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Chairside assisting: Performs a wide range of intra-oral dental procedures associated with various phases of restorative, prosthetic, periodontal, endodontic, oral surgery, implant placement and restoration procedures and provides chairside assistance, fully anticipating the dentist's needs for all instruments, materials, and services using four-handed techniques. Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Performs a variety of techniques and skilled, detailed workmanship to complete placement of temporary crowns and bridges. In completing intricate procedures, the assistant must carefully consider detailed aspects of dental anatomy. The product of these procedures must be functionally compatible with the dental anatomy of each patient. Triages dental emergencies requiring immediate evaluation as well as immediate intervention and arrangement for veterans to be seen by appropriate clinical staff. Dental Imaging: Operates dental X-ray equipment for intra- and extra- oral radiographs. Images are of diagnostic quality and accurately oriented and exposed. Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized. Customer service: Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public. Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization: Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories. Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination. Debrides and decontaminates instruments, materials and equipment. Prepares instruments in a manner that does not delay clinical care. Properly prepares instruments for transfer to SPS for sterilization. Clerical Functions: Assists patients in scheduling appointments, makes appointments, and handles telephone calls. Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments. Initiates computerized progress notes. Information Management: Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information. Follows computer security regulations. Patient Safety: Modify position if patient cannot self-transfer; reposition patient as needed. Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients. Participates in patient identification and time out per Joint Commission requirements. Instructs patients in preventive dental care measures, general nutrition as related to dental health, the common causes of tooth decay, and the care of prosthodontic appliances, provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education. Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. Employee Education: Complies with Employee Education requirements. Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions. Dental Laboratory Functions: Pours impressions, prepares, and trims study models. Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims. Direct Patient Care: Obtains patient vital signs (BP, pulse, pulse oximeter, temporal temperature) as needed. Makes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): 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 #: 21M34-A Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the

Created: 2025-10-09