Dental Assistant

<p>Dental assistants at the GS-06 level serve as staff dental assistants at the full-performance level with the ability to perform a full range of duties and perform assigned selected procedures with some independence. They receive guidance from more experienced staff members for complex patient issues for which they require direct supervision and daily contact with the supervisor at the work site. Assists the general dentist and dental specialists in many aspects of direct patient care.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Functions or scope of practice includes, not limited to the following: A. Patient Care and Chairside Assisting Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Possesses advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative, surgical, endodontic and periodontal care. Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions. Takes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication. Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant placement and restoration. Fabricates athletic mouth guards and bleaching trays B. Dental Imaging Possesses ability to identify normal anatomy. Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. TMJ, cephalometric, cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formats. Utilizes dental-imaging safety techniques and retakes are minimized. C. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories. Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination. Demonstrates proper infection-control procedures in exposing images. D. Clerical Functions Assists in filling gaps in the dentist's schedule due to cancellations and failed appointments. Initiates return to clinic orders and radiograph consults. Assists dentist in charting findings and with treatment plans in patient records. E. Information Management AND Patient Safety Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information. Follows computer security regulations. Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients. Participates in patient identification and time out per The Joint Commission requirements. Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:45am - 4:15pm Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not 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 #:04371F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized</p><h3>Requirements</h3>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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification 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 "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.<h3>Education</h3>Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.