Dental Assistant

Military Treatment Facilities under DHA•McGuire AFB, NJ

10d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at the 87th Medical Group, MTF McGuire, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. It is a direct-hire solicitation. Salary negotiation may be available for candidates who are new to Federal service. The Dental Assistant supports dentists in providing complex, difficult, lengthy, and nonroutine treatments. Duties include preparing patients for surgery; receiving and seating patients and conducting preliminary screening; setting up instruments, equipment, and materials, including assembling syringes and IVs for anesthesia and mixing materials for impressions and restorations; taking preliminary impressions and pouring and trimming models; constructing base plates and bite rims; observing patients for adverse reactions during treatment; and relaying post-treatment care instructions from the dentist. Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination and requires a personnel security investigation. Selectees must consent to seasonal influenza vaccination or provide a recognized exemption, participate in pre-employment screening and random drug testing, and complete a pre-placement medical examination and immunization screening. Hepatitis B immunization is required for positions involving direct patient contact. The employee must obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association; advanced certification does not replace this requirement. Moderate to heavy lifting up to 25 pounds may be required.

Requirements

Meet the specialized experience, education, or combination-of-education-and-experience qualification requirements.
Specialized experience: one year performing intra-oral procedures, operating dental X-ray equipment, and taking preliminary impressions; this is experience typical of the next lower federal grade/level, GS-04.
Alternatively, successfully complete a full four-year course of study in a dental assistant or dental hygiene program that includes at least 24 semester hours in specified radiology subjects.
Alternatively, qualify through a combination of education and experience totaling at least 100% of the requirements.
Meet radiology credentialing standards when administering radiologic procedures, including the applicable education and certification requirements described in 42 CFR Part 75.
Obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association; advanced certification does not supersede BLS.
Complete a pre-placement medical examination and required immunization screening; Hepatitis B immunization is required for direct patient contact.
Consent to seasonal influenza vaccination or provide a recognized exemption.
Complete the required personnel security investigation and any suitability or fitness determination.
Submit to pre-employment screening and random drug testing, including random drug urinalysis.
Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
Applicants relying on foreign education must provide an evaluation showing equivalency to accredited U.S. education, or evidence of full credit from a U.S.-accredited institution.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
Direct deposit of pay is required.
A one-year probationary period is required.

Responsibilities

Assist the dentist in providing complex, difficult, lengthy, and nonroutine treatments.
Prepare patients for surgery.
Receive and seat patients and conduct preliminary screening.
Set up instruments, equipment, and materials, including assembling syringes and IVs for anesthesia and mixing materials for impressions and restorations.
Take preliminary impressions; pour and trim models from impressions; and construct base plates and bite rims.
Observe patients throughout treatment for signs of syncope, shock, or other reactions to treatment.
Relay the dentist's post-treatment care instructions to patients, including instructions about hot or cold packs or medications.