Dental Assistant; Expanded Function

Summary

Join the Indian Health Service dental team and make a meaningful difference in the lives of American Indian and Alaska Native patients. As an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant, you will work alongside dental providers in a compassionate, high‑quality oral health care environment. We encourage applicants who value service, cultural respect, and professional excellence to apply.

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

• Performs simple alloy and composite restorations that do not require pin retention or cusp replacement.
• Places and finishes simple composite restorations, temporary restorations, pit and fissure sealants, and applies desensitizing agents.
• Cements stainless steel crowns and space maintainers at the direction of the dentist.
• Performs oral prophylaxis, including ultrasonic scaling to remove visible calculus, and applies topical fluoride.
• Takes intra‑oral radiographs, records vital signs, collects patient history, and assists with medication reconciliation.
• Performs routine dental laboratory procedures (e.g., pouring and trimming models, fabricating custom trays and wax rims).
• Provides post‑treatment instructions and basic oral health education.
• Maintains clinic readiness through supply management, equipment care, sterilization, and infection control.
• Work is closely reviewed by the dentist for accuracy and completeness.

Check IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job:
Dental Assistant Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov)

Conditions of employment:

• Selected may be subject to a probationary period.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Position is a designated place under Public Law 101‑630 requiring contact or control over Indian children; applicants must not have been found guilty of certain crimes.
• Successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Will need to set up direct deposit for payroll.

Requires successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment. The investigation verifies identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information. Completion is needed within five calendar days of issuance to avoid delays.

Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility and maintain good standing with creditors. Substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations may result in being deemed unsuitable for employment.

To qualify, applicants must have sufficient experience or education to perform the duties. Experience may include paid, unpaid, volunteer, and part‑time work. Identify duties and responsibilities in each position and hours per week.

Public Law 97-35 requires personnel who administer radiologic procedures to meet credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Applicants must have experienced education and be certified as radiographers in their field.

• Federal employees as radiologic personnel prior to the effective date (January 13, 1986) who show current or satisfactory performance.
• Federal employees after the effective date who received training from institutions not accredited at that time but demonstrate competency as determined by OPM or the employing agency.

Applicants must have 1 year of acceptable coursework, preceptorship, or formal training specifically designed to equip them with knowledge and skills for intra‑oral procedures.

• Dental hygiene or dental assistant program accredited by ADA Commission on Accreditation directly related to expanded functions.
• U.S. Army Dental Therapy Assistant Training Program.
• Continuing education courses in expanded functions offered by IHS or the Department of Health and Human Services.
• Other comparable training including formal classroom instruction and clinical training.

• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the federal service in relevant duties such as restorative fillings, cleaning, surgical expanded…