Dental Assistant

Veterans Health Administration • Lincoln, NE

7d

About The Position

The Dental Assistant assists the dentist with direct patient care and independently performs other clinical and clerical functions under direct supervision. The role supports dental procedures by preparing and cleaning the operatory or surgery suite, preparing patients and procedural instruments, maintaining infection-control standards, and providing chairside assistance. The assistant also supports patient education, dental imaging, recordkeeping, and appointment scheduling referrals.

This is an intermittent, as-needed position with no pre-established tour of duty. Work hours and days are scheduled according to organizational workload and mission requirements. The full performance level is GS-06; selections may be made from GS-03 through GS-06. The position is not virtual, and telework is unavailable.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Six months of qualifying experience, completion of a one-year CODA-accredited dental assistant program, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Radiologic procedure credentials meeting applicable standards, through one of the listed examinations, courses, or approved programs; eligible non-certified applicants may receive a temporary appointment and must obtain certification during that period.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• For GS-4 and above, meet the applicable grade-specific experience or education requirements and demonstrate the stated knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• For GS-5, meet the listed GS-4 baseline and the applicable experience or education requirement, plus the specified competencies in anatomy, diagnostic image quality, medical emergencies and vital signs, dental instruments and procedures, software, and patient instruction.
• For GS-6, at least one year of experience equivalent to GS-5 demonstrating the relevant competencies, plus the specified technical abilities in oral anatomy, dental procedures, vital signs, patient education and referral, dental imaging, equipment maintenance, electronic records, and laboratory procedures.
• Meet pre-employment conditions, which include applicable drug testing, background/security investigation, onboarding, identification requirements, seasonal influenza vaccination, and a one- or two-year trial period.
• Complete the application requirements specified in the announcement.

Nice To Haves

• Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable.
• Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification is highly desirable.
• Preferred experience includes Basic Life Support (BLS) and Dental Assistant Certification.
• For GS-4, the stated KSA profile includes basic knowledge of infection control and safe instrument handling, dental procedures and medical emergencies, radiographic image capture and processing or retrieval, dental equipment care, and patient privacy.
• For GS-5, the stated KSA profile includes knowledge of anatomy and diagnostic image quality, common medical emergencies and vital signs, instruments and standardized procedures, VHA software, and patient instructions.

Responsibilities

• Set up the operatory or surgery suite for planned dental procedures and clean the dental unit.
• Receive and prepare patients for treatment.
• Perform disinfection and sterilization procedures.
• Prepare procedural trays and instrument setups.
• Provide basic chairside assistance under the dentist’s direct instruction.
• Keep the operative field clear of debris and retract oral tissues effectively.
• Follow standard infection-control protocols during intra-operative procedures.
• Maintain the operating field using retraction, suction, irrigation, drying, and placement or removal of cotton balls.
• Provide preventive patient education and oral hygiene instruction.
• Expose and process basic dental radiographs under direct supervision.
• Mount and label dental radiographs or save digital images to electronic medical records.
• Direct patients to appropriate staff to schedule visits.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in written and verbal information in accordance with HIPAA.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, consisting of 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Eligible employees may receive credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility requirements.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k), with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed