Dental Assistant

Summary

This position is located in the Dental Service at the Salem VA Medical Center (VAMC). The role performs the duties of a dental assistant in a hospital‑based dental clinic, serving as a staff assistant who assists the provider and utilizes techniques of four‑handed dentistry.

Applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of 07/16/2026.

• United States Citizenship; non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens (VA policy).
• Experience:
  
  Six months demonstrating ability to perform work or familiarity with the work, OR education: successful completion of a 1‑year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association’s CODA, or equivalent combinations of experience and education.
• Certification:
  Radiologic competency as required by Public Law 97‑35 and 42 CFR Part 75; must be certified as a radiographer in the field.
• Dental radiology credential: successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by DANB, or alternative approved courses, or a state board of dentistry or DoD program, and DANB certification (highly desirable for appointments up to full performance).
• GS‑03: none beyond basic requirements; GS‑04: one year experience at the next lower level or two years of education above high school including a CODA‑accredited program.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) including infection control, basic dental procedures, radiographic capture and processing, equipment maintenance, patient privacy, and ability to work under daily supervision.

• Prepare and seat patients; position dental chairs; place napkins; perform sterilization and disinfection; assist chairside; report medical emergencies; prepare trays and instrument setups.
• Expose and process basic dental radiographs under supervision; mount, label, or save digital images to the medical record; follow equipment maintenance guidelines.
• Assist in complex patient procedures under direct supervision of senior staff; respond to basic medical emergencies; measure and record vital signs; provide pre‑ and post‑operative instructions.
• Maintain a field of operation during procedures by retracting, suctioning, irrigating, drying, and placing/removing cotton rolls; apply four‑handed dentistry concepts; assist with basic restorative procedures; mix basic dental materials; assist in laboratory prescription forms; apply pressure indicator paste to removable prostheses.
• Evaluate radiographs for diagnostic quality; maintain routine equipment per manufacturer and service standards.
• Assist with specialty procedures including oral surgery, periodontal therapy, endodontic, prosthodontic, and implant procedures; anticipate needs; take preliminary impressions; manipulate gypsum and waxes; fabricate custom trays; evaluate diagnostic casts.

Regular exposure to radiation and communicable diseases; use lead shielding and personal protective equipment such as gowns, masks, eyewear, and gloves. Long periods of standing, walking, sitting, and bending are required for the entire shift.

• Work Schedule:
  
  7:30 AM–4:00 PM, every other Friday off. No telework.
• Salary:
  Competitive salary with regular increases; a higher step rate may be determined for higher or unique qualifications.
• Paid Time Off: 37–50 days annual paid time; includes 13–26 days leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 federal holidays.
• Parental Leave:
  Up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months employment.
• Child Care Subsidy:
  Eligible for up to 25 % of childcare costs up to $416.66 monthly.
• Retirement:
  Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and 401(k) with up to 5 % VA contribution.
• Health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care insurance (federal programs).