Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant – Naval Health Clinic Hawaii, Camp Smith

Location: Camp Smith, Hawaii

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 6:30 AM–4:00 PM

Job Type: Full-Time, Contract

Hours: Up to 40 hours per week

Work Setting: Federal Healthcare / Military Treatment Facility

We are seeking a qualified Dental Assistant to support dental services at Naval Health Clinic Hawaii (NHCH) Camp Smith. This is a federal healthcare contract opportunity supporting dental officers and patients in a professional military treatment facility environment.

The Dental Assistant will perform a full range of dental assisting duties, including chairside support, patient record maintenance, infection control, dental surveillance support, and assistance with clinical procedures under the supervision and direction of government dental providers.

Services are provided Monday through Friday between 6:30 AM and 4:00 PM. Shifts are typically 8.5 to 9 hours and include an unpaid 30-to-60-minute lunch break. The position will not exceed 40 hours per week.

Contract healthcare workers are not required to work on federally recognized holidays.

• Assist Dental Officers during examinations and treatment using four-handed dentistry techniques.
• Support mandated dental surveillance and preventive dental services.
• Maintain accurate patient treatment records in accordance with clinic, Joint Commission, DTF, and MTF requirements.
• Refer patients with complaints or concerns to staff dentists for evaluation and continuation of care.
• Assist during administration of anesthesia.
• Assist with placement and removal of sutures.
• Maintain dental operatories in accordance with cleanliness and infection control standards.
• Dispose of contaminated waste according to clinic and facility procedures.
• Support Central Sterile Supply functions as needed.
• Assist at the appointments desk and support other duties consistent with the normal responsibilities of a Dental Assistant.
• Participate in quality improvement, assurance meetings, and team-based clinic operations as needed.
• Contribute positively to team morale, communication, and patient care delivery.

Candidates must meet one of the following education and experience pathways:

• Certificate or associate degree as a Dental Assistant or Dental Technician from a CODA-accredited program and at least 12 months of experience within the preceding 36 months; or
• Certification from a military dental technician or dental assistant school and at least 12 months of experience within the preceding 36 months; or
• Certification from a Red Cross Dental Assistant course and at least 12 months of experience within the preceding 36 months; or
• At least 36 months of experience within the preceding 60 months as a Dental Assistant in a private practice or military clinic; or
• Membership in good standing with the American Association of Dental Assistants, with required continuing education, and at least 12 months of experience within the preceding 36 months; or
• Graduation from a state-accredited Dental Assistant or Dental Technology program within the preceding 12 months.

• Basic Life Support certification required.
• Must be certified in radiography as required by 42 CFR Part 75.
• Dental Assistant training must have included coursework in radiation physics, radiation biology, radiation health and safety, X-ray films and radiographic film quality, radiographic techniques, darkroom and processing techniques, film mounting, and digital radiographic processing techniques.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be able to perform duties involving four-handed sit-down dentistry, including regular back bending, short periods of standing, and walking.
• Must be able to work in a federal healthcare/military clinic environment.
• Must meet all contract onboarding, credentialing, and compliance requirements.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Dental Assistant interested in supporting military healthcare services in a structured federal clinical setting. The role offers a consistent weekday schedule, no federal holiday requirement, and the opportunity to work as part of a professional dental care team.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply with an updated resume and current certifications.