Dental Assistant

The incumbent will be responsible for performing the duties of a dental assistant in an outpatient dental clinic. John D. Dingell VA Outpatient dental clinic provides a full range of ambulatory health care services to eligible veterans.

The incumbent will demonstrate professionalism by treating all internal and external customers with respect and accountability. He/ she maintains relationships with coworkers which permit teamwork, cooperation, resource sharing, and problem solving. Assists dentists in routine procedures and procedures with increasing complexity including endodontic procedures, oral surgery, implant placement, and periodontal procedures with guidance from more experienced staff members. The incumbent will assist the dentist as assigned and provide additional support to other assistants and co-workers during the workday. The dental assistant utilizes the techniques of four-handed dentistry in the dental operatory. Duties included but not limited to: Dental Imaging: Processes basic dental radiographs with supervision as needed reviewed by the treating dentist. Shows skill in operating and adjusting Planmeca and Scan-X Systems. Demonstrates competency and working knowledge of MIPACS system with guidance from more experienced users and direct supervision. Images are characterized by diagnostic quality and proper orientation, Saves digital imaging to electronic medical records under direct supervision. Utilizes dental-imaging safety techniques and minimizes retakes. Complies with standard recommendation for equipment maintenance. Demonstrates proper infection-control procedures during radiographic procedures. Provides patient-centered preventative education and oral hygiene instructions Image requests are completed within the requested time frame. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Demonstrate proper infection control procedures and adherence to clinic standard operating procedures in the preparation and disinfection of dental operatories. Disinfects dental appliances for movement to and from the dental laboratory. Properly prepare instruments for transfer to SPS for sterilization. Follows all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment. Works closely with Sterile Processing Service to ensure availability of instruments for patient care. Clerical Functions: Facilitate patient scheduling by providing necessary information to Medical Support Assistants. Participates in patient identification and time out procedures per the Joint Commission National Safety Goals. Assists in monitoring the patient by noting vital signs. As directed by the dentist, they will record the medical history, and chart during the exam and treatment planning appointments. The incumbent must be proficient in charting with Dental Record Manager Plus software for patient record management. Accurately completes lab prescriptions and timely schedules patients for intermediate prosthetic steps to ensure the completion of care Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 94483A, 94484A, 94485A, 94486A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.