Dental Assistant

Summary

At the Indian Health Service, Dental Assistants provide essential support to oral care teams, helping deliver safe and effective dental services while creating healthy smiles, restoring confidence, and promoting overall wellness in the communities we serve. The role is guided by our mission to improve the health of American Indian and Alaska Native people.

A REAL  be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).

• Assist the dentist in all phases of restorative and surgical procedures.
• Maintain aseptic technique and sterilize instruments.
• Expose and process dental radiographs following radiation‑safety protocols.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene and post‑treatment care.
• Support dental clinic operations, maintain supplies, and manage patient records.

Conditions of employment:

• Candidate may be subject to a probationary period.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.

This position is designated by Public Law 101‑630 and requires that hired individuals have not been found guilty of or have pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes involving contact or control over Indian children.

Physical demands: walking, sitting, standing, reaching, and bending in the assessment and treatment of patients.

Applicants must successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check. Direct deposit must be set up for salary payment.

The position requires a federal background investigation, with required forms completed within five (5) calendar days of issuance to avoid processing delays.

Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations. Substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations (including tax liabilities, defaulted loans, court‑ordered fines, or child‑support arrears) may render a candidate unsuitable.

Candidates must present two valid forms of identification prior to appointment. If one document is a state‑issued  driver’s license, it must be REAL ‑compliant.

To qualify, a resume must state sufficient experience and/or education to perform the duties of the specific position applied for. Experience includes paid and unpaid work, including volunteer activities, and must be clearly described with duties and the total hours per week.

Public Law 97‑35 requires radiologic personnel to meet credentialing standards in 42 C.F.R. Part 75. This includes completion of an accredited educational program and certification as a radiographer. Eligible personnel include:

• Federal Government radiologic personnel employed prior to January 13, 1986 with current or satisfactory performance evidence.
• Federal Government radiologic personnel employed after January 13, 1986 who have training from a non‑accredited institution but have demonstrated competence through OPM or agency assessment.

Required for GS‑4 and above:
Experience in dental assistance to general or specialized dentistry, dental assistant (expanded function) work, or a combination appropriate to the position.

GS‑3: Successful completion of a 1‑year dental assistant program or completion of one year of a dental hygiene program accredited by the ADA’s Commission on Accreditation with required radiation coursework; or completion of practical nurse training approved by a state accrediting body.

GS‑4: Successful completion of a 2‑year dental assistant program or completion of a 2‑year dental hygiene program accredited by the ADA’s Commission on Accreditation with at least 12 semester hours of relevant coursework.

In addition to basic requirements, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications noted below.

• GS‑02: 3 months of general experience or high school graduate or equivalent.
• GS‑03: 6 months of general experience or completion of a 1‑year dental assistant program.
• GS‑04: 6 months of general experience plus 6 months of specialized experience; or completion of a 2‑year…