Dental Assistant

Summary Incumbent performs chairside dental assistant duties in all phases of restorative, prosthodontic, surgical, endodontic, and periodontal treatment as provided in the dental clinic or operating room. The employee operates dental X-ray equipment to take intra- and extra-oral radiographs. The employee also assists in training students from affiliated schools, observing an advising them as they perform their duties. Responsibilities Duties include but are not limited to the following: Chairside Assisting Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure with minimum of interruption after procedure begins Cleans operatory/equipment for timely turnover Passes instruments to and from the dentist safely, accurately, and efficiently Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably for the patient Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols Assists in routine general dental procedures Record patient vital signs Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, prosthodontics and periodontics Assists dentist/hygienist with on-ward dental examinations Assists the other assistants with their duties Assists dental hygienist and student hygienists as time permits and as required Supervises, trains and evaluates student dental assistants while maintaining treatment flow Maintains room materials inventory in assigned room, and other rooms as needed Follows standardized room set-up and supply stocking arrangement to facilitate any other team assistant using the room without need to hunt for supplies Dental Imaging Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame Digital image security is maintained Infection Control and Equipment Reprocessing Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories and equipment??????? Demonstrates proper radiography infection control procedures Clinic Support Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments Confirms patient appointments Answers telephone courteously and professionally Patient Safety Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position) Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical stress Dental Laboratory Functions Pours impressions and prepares study models Operates and maintains 30 printers, milling machines, and scanners Other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized 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. 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: 2025-12-05