Dental Assistant

Military Treatment Facilities under DHA • Fort Irwin, CA

24d • Onsite

About The Position

This Dental Assistant position is located at Fort Irwin, California. The incumbent assists a dentist in providing complex, difficult, lengthy, and nonroutine treatments. The role includes receiving and seating patients, conducting preliminary screening, preparing instruments and equipment, assembling syringes and IVs for anesthesia, mixing materials for impressions and restorations, monitoring patients for adverse reactions or medical concerns, and communicating post-treatment care instructions from the dentist.

This is a direct-hire position. A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized, and salary negotiation may be available for candidates new to Federal service. Non-Federal work experience may be creditable for leave purposes. The position may require irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, rotating shifts, and varying work schedules. It is designated Inclement Weather Essential and Mission Essential, requiring the incumbent to make every attempt to report during severe weather and to work during contingency operations, disasters, extreme weather, or other emergencies.

Requirements

• Meet the basic radiology certification requirement for dental assistants, including applicable education and radiographer certification standards or an accepted qualifying federal employment, training, experience, and competency pathway.
• Meet one of the following qualification paths: one year of specialized experience providing chairside assistance to a dental specialist, performing intra-oral procedures, and operating dental X-ray equipment; a full four-year course of study in dental assisting or dental hygiene that included at least 24 semester hours of specified radiology coursework; or a qualifying combination of education and experience totaling at least 100% of the requirements.
• Obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association; advanced certification does not replace BLS.
• Complete required immunization screening. Hepatitis B immunization is required for positions involving direct patient contact; other immunizations may be required based on the position.
• Consent to seasonal influenza vaccination or provide a recognized exemption.
• Satisfactorily complete any required suitability or fitness determination and personnel security investigation.
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• If relying on foreign education, provide an evaluation showing that the education is equivalent to an accredited U.S. program or has received full credit from a U.S.-accredited college or university.
• Complete the required one-year probationary period; continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Use direct deposit for pay.
• Be prepared to report during severe weather and during contingency operations, natural disasters, extreme weather, or other emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Assist a dentist in providing complex, difficult, lengthy, and nonroutine treatments.
• Receive and seat patients and conduct preliminary screening.
• Set up instruments, equipment, and materials for treatment.
• Assemble syringes and IVs for anesthesia and mix materials for impressions and restorations.
• Monitor patients during treatment and identify signs of adverse reactions or medical concerns.
• Relay the dentist’s post-treatment care instructions to patients.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type and other factors.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level