Dental Assistant

Summary

The Primary Purpose of the Position is:
The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. Dental assistants at this level serve as staff dental assistants at the full performance level for more routine patient care and perform some complex patient procedures under general supervision of more experienced dental assistants or dental supervisor.

• United States Citizenship. Non‑citizens may only be appointed when recruitment of qualified citizens is impossible.
• Six months experience demonstrating ability to perform the work, or familiarity with the work.
• OR successful completion of a 1‑year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
• Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is highly desirable for positions up to and including the full performance level; required for higher levels.
• Grandfathering provision: current VHA employees who meet criteria may be appointed under the VA Qualification Standard.
• Grade determinations and KSAs corresponding to GS‑3 to GS‑6 levels, including infection control, dental procedures, radiography, equipment maintenance, patient privacy, and software use.

• Customer Service—provides courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude; assists patients and staff with questions.
• Chair‑side assisting—sets up operatory/surgery suite, passes instruments, maintains operative field, prepares medicaments, and follows infection control protocols.
• Dental imaging—exposes standard and specialty images in digital format; optimizes exposure and achieves diagnostic quality.
• Infection control and equipment sterilization—implements proper cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilization procedures; coordinates with SPD.
• Clerical functions—fills schedule gaps, initiates computerized progress notes, assists charting.
• Information management—maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA; follows computer security regulations.
• Patient safety—modifies care as needed, provides clear instructions, participates in patient identification and time‑out.
• Employee education—completes mandatory safety training.
• Laboratory functions—pours impressions, prepares study models, fabricates mouth guards, etc., as required.
• Direct patient care—monitors vital signs, applies anesthetic and fluoride, takes impressions, and assists during procedures.
• Reusable medical equipment—maintains SOP knowledge and demonstrates proficiency.

Primarily standing with occasional sitting, walking, bending, and carrying light items; requires use of both hands and hearing (hearing aid permitted).

Monday‑Friday 7:30 am‑4:00 pm.

Paid time off: 37–50 days of annual paid leave (including annual leave, sick leave, and Federal holidays). Parental leave: up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months employment. Childcare subsidy possible for eligible employees.

Retirement:
Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k). Health, vision, dental, life, and long‑term care insurance available. Telework:
Not available.