Dental Assistant

Summary

Dental assistants facilitate direct patient care by working with the Dentist in restorative, prosthodontic, maxillofacial prosthodontic, periodontal, endodontic, and oral surgery procedures. They prepare patients for treatment, schedule appointments, assist with aspirating air/water syringes, expose dental radiographs, and take impressions for provisional crowns, among other ancillary work, with the objective of helping clinicians achieve optimal oral health for veterans.

• Citizenship: U.S. citizen (non‑citizens may be appointed when no qualified U.S. citizens are available).
• Experience or education meeting one of the following:
  • At least six months of relevant experience.
  • Completion of a 1‑year accredited dental assistant program (CODA).
  • Equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Radiographic certification meeting 42 CFR Part 75, achieved by one of the following:
  • Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination (Dental Assisting National Board).
  • Principles and Practice of Dental Radiology and Radiographic Safety courses (Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Dentistry).
  • State board or DoD approved radiation health and safety program.
• English language proficiency – proficient in spoken and written English.
• Current Veterans Health Administration (VHA) employees who meet qualification standards may be covered by the Grandfathering Provision.
• Grade level requirements: GS‑7 or higher, with at least one year of experience at the next lower grade level or equivalent.
• Technical knowledge and skills: advanced imaging techniques, placement and removal of surgical dressings, monitoring of nitrous oxide analgesia, coronal polishing, and cleaning of removable prostheses.

• Perform mouth mirror inspection, gather diagnostic information, conduct pulp vitality testing, chart existing restorations and conditions, and select shades for fixed and removable prostheses.
• Place and remove rubber dams, matrix bands, retraction cords, intracoronal temporary restorations, temporary crowns, sutures, and surgical dressings.
• Monitor patient's vital signs (BP, pulse, pulse oximeter), apply topical anesthetic and fluoride, and provide preventive education.
• Assist in specialized dental procedures such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, and implant placement.
• Expose standard and specialty dental imaging (e.g., TMJ, cephalometric, cone beam) in traditional or digital formats and ensure diagnostic quality.
• Demonstrate proper infection control, sterilization of equipment, and adherence to standard operating procedures for reusable medical equipment.
• Handle clerical functions: fill gaps in the doctor’s schedule, initiate computerized progress notes, and assist in charting findings and treatment plans.
• Manage patient confidentiality per HIPAA and follow computer security regulations.
• Perform dental laboratory functions: pour impressions, prepare study models, and make preliminary denture impressions.

Work Schedule:

7:00 am – 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

Functional Statement #: 50256F.