Dental Assistant

Summary The New York Harbor VA Medical Center is seeking a Dental Assistant to support the New York Healthcare System (NYHHS) New York/ Manhattan campus. The announcement will remain open until the closing date of the announcement or until all vacancies have been filled, whichever occurs first. Applications will be reviewed and referred to the hiring managers as needed. Responsibilities Duties include but are not limited to: RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY AND PROSTHODONTICS Apply topical anticariogenic agents to teeth. Aid in tooth shade selection. Place and remove matrix bands. Select and pre-fit provisional crowns. Remove temporary cement (not including temporary fillings). Apply desensitizing agents to teeth. MAXILLOFACIAL PROSTHETICS Prepare patients for moulage by preparing needed items and draping patient PERIODONTICS Remove sutures placed by a licensed dentist. Maintain periodontal instrumentation and supplies. Remove protective surgical dressings. ENDODONTICS Place and remove rubber dam. Maintain entire inventory for endodontic instrument. RADIOGRAPHY Performs the full range of dental radiography, including cone beam CT. Take radiographs of inpatients and outpatients according to prescription including periapical, bitewing, occlusal extra-oral (lateral jaw AP) etc.; and panoramic radiograph. Know how to electronically request and record digital images. Correctly position patients and films/sensor to achieve proper radiographic angles. Maintain x-ray area, operatory and dark room, monitors levels of all x-ray supplies. Checks all images to assure diagnostic quality and clarity to enable the examining dentist to have maximum radiographic information. Provide instruction to newly assigned personnel, other dental assistants, residents and staff as needed. ORAL SURGERY Remove sutures placed by a licensed dentist. Route patients for further medical testing when required. Assist dentist in all oral surgical procedures including implants. Maintain sterility according to clinic and medical center procedures. Keep inventory of all equipment and supplies and informs supervisor when supplies are inadequate. Prepare instruments sterile trays, equipment and materials and assumes that they are present and properly arranged for the operative procedure. Preparation of general anesthesia, I.V. nitrous oxide and oxygen anesthesia equipment. Maintain the crash cart. All drugs must be properly dated and checked each month for expiration dates. Orient new residents, dental assistants, students, and staff to surgical routines. In addition, the incumbent performs the following duties: Maintain dental equipment in a clean and operative condition. Maintain supply levels and inform supervisor when supplies are low. Provide 4-handed dentistry that includes patient seating, draping, retraction, suction and passing of instruments. Support and follow all infectious disease policies including proper management of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME). Provide patient education, including preventive dental care and pre-and post-operative instruction. Explain elementary rationale for prescribed dental treatments. Take preliminary medical histories and vital signs to be reviewed by the dentist. Record information related to the medical and dental history as relayed to the dentist or patient. Make appointments and handle customer inquiries made via telephone. Take impressions for study casts, diagnostic casts, or occlusal guards. Responsible for more than one dentist when required by the clinic. Maintain current required training. Other dental supportive services authorized by the licensed dentist while the Registered Dental Assistant is under the direct personal supervision of the licensed dentist, provided that such other dental supportive services are not excluded. Responsible for Dental Unit Waterline disinfection. Other duties as assigned, not listed above Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8am-4:30pm 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) 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 #: 23901-A Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not 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 evaluation. 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: 2025-11-07