Dental Assistant

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

This is an open continuous announcement until September 30, 2026. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.

Staff Dental Assistants at this level serve at the full-performance level with the ability to perform a full range of duties and perform assigned selected procedures with some independence. They receive guidance from more experienced staff members for complex patient issues for which they require direct supervision and daily contact with the supervisor at the work site.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties include, but are not limited to:
Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Possesses advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative, surgical, endodontic, and periodontal care. Assists in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistry.

Passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably. Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions. Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols.

Monitors, and performs basic interpretation of, patient vital signs (BP, pulse, pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedure. Applies topical anesthetic at the injection site. Takes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication. Pours impressions and prepares study models. Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims.

Removes plaque and soft debris from removable prostheses. Provides procedure-specific, patient-preventative education and oral hygiene instruction. Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education. Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant placement and restoration. Fabricates athletic mouth guards and bleaching trays.

Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e., TMJ, cephalometric, cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formats. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories. Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination. Properly prepares instruments for transfer to SPS for sterilization. Follows all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment.

Works closely with SPS to ensure availability of instruments so that clinical care is not delayed. Demonstrates proper infection-control procedures in exposing images. Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments. Initiates computerized progress note. Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records. Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information.

Follows computer security regulations. Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position). Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients. Participates in patient identification and time out per The Joint Commission requirements. Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. Complies with Employee Education requirements. Completes mandatory annual training sessions.

Work Schedule:

7:30AM - 4:00PM; 2-3 Saturdays per month. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus):
Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance):
Not authorized. Pay:
Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave:
After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy:
After 60 days of employment, full time…