Dental Assistant

Overview

This Dental Assistant position is located at the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System. The Dental Assistant is an integral member of the dental treatment team and assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care. The role also includes clinical, laboratory, and administrative responsibilities performed independently of direct supervision.

• United States citizenship (non‑citizens may be considered only when no qualified citizens are available).
• Proficient in spoken and written English; meet VA Handbook 5005 requirements for dental assistants.
• Minimum six months experience or completion of a 1‑year dental assistant program accredited by CODA, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Radiologic certification: must meet Public Law 97‑35 and 42 CFR Part 75 standards; include completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination, or equivalent courses approved by a state board or the Department of Defense.
• Danb certification is highly desirable but not required for full performance level.
• Basic life support certification is highly desirable.
• Experience of at least one year at the next lower grade level for GS‑06.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities at GS‑05 level: anatomy, instruments, basic life support, patient communication, diagnostic imaging, equipment maintenance, and electronic dental records.

• Provide general and specialty dental care, including oral surgery, periodontal therapy, endodontics, prosthodontics, and implant placement.
• Assist the dentist with four‑handed chair‑side dental assisting, laboratory procedures, and delegated tasks per Florida State Dental Practice Act.
• Comply with infection control, patient identification, time‑out, informed consent, medication reconciliation, and hand‑off communication protocols.
• Prepare and clean the operatory; maintain reusable medical equipment, instruments, materials, and PPE.
• Capture diagnostic quality digital radiographs and perform basic interpretation of vital signs.
• Prepare and mix dental materials, apply cavity bases, liners, desensitizing agents, fluoride, bonding agents, and topical anesthesia.
• Fabricate and remove temporary restorations, crowns, and bridges; manage sutures, periodontal dressings, and socket dressings.
• Polish natural teeth and prosthetic appliances; perform routine maintenance on suction traps and water lines.
• Execute laboratory duties: clean and polish dentures, pour and trim stone models, construct impression trays, and fabricate bite rims and other appliances.
• Anticipate and support the dentist’s needs during treatment, including specialty procedures.
• Provide patient education: preventive care, prosthesis care, oral hygiene routines, and post‑operative instructions.

The role involves moderate lifting (15–44 lbs) and heavy carrying (45 lbs and over), rapid mental and muscular coordination, and prolonged standing and walking (up to 4 hours). Near‑vision correctable to 13–16 inches, distant vision and hearing at whisper are required.

• Work schedule:
  
  Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.
• Competitive salary with regular increases; potential higher step rate for exceptional qualifications.
• Paid Time Off: 37–50 days per year (13–26 days leave, 13 days sick, 11 federal holidays).
• Parental Leave: up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months of employment.
• Child Care Subsidy: up to 25% of eligible childcare costs for families with income below $144,000, after 60 days of employment.
• Retirement: federal pension (5 years vesting) and 401(k) with up to 5% VA contributions.
• Insurances: federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care; many can be carried into retirement.
• Telework: not authorized; position is in‑office only.