Dental Assistant

Veterans Health Administration • McClellan, CA

20h • Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Assistant assists the dentist with direct patient care, performing a full range of duties with some independence in assigned specialties and clerical functions under indirect supervision from the dentist or supervisor. Duties are performed at VA NCHCS facilities.

The role supports routine general dentistry and specialized procedures, including oral surgery, endodontics, and periodontics. It includes preparing and turning over treatment spaces, assisting during procedures, following patient safety and infection-control processes, communicating with patients about delays, and documenting findings and follow-up orders in electronic systems.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• At least six months of qualifying experience, or successful completion of a one-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Radiologic competence through one of the specified qualifying dental radiation health and safety examinations, courses, or programs; eligible non-certified applicants may receive a temporary appointment and must obtain certification within the required period.
• For the GS-6 full-performance level, at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level and demonstration of the stated technical knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Ability to identify normal oral anatomy.
• Advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in restorative, surgical, endodontic, and periodontal care.
• Ability to monitor and perform basic interpretation of vital signs.
• Ability to independently provide procedure-specific patient education and refer patient concerns appropriately to the treating dentist.
• Ability to capture standard and special dental images of diagnostic quality in traditional or digital formats.
• Ability to maintain dental equipment used for routine and specialty dentistry.
• Ability to enter and retrieve data using electronic dental records.
• Ability to perform dental-assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures.
• Resume must include hours per week for work experience credit.
• Selected applicants must meet applicable background/security, onboarding, and vaccination requirements, and may be required to serve a probationary period.

Nice To Haves

• Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable.
• Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification is highly desirable.
• One year of dental assisting experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the operatory and/or surgery suite for planned procedures and clean the dental unit for timely turnover, ensuring required equipment, materials, and supplies are ready before seating the patient.
• Pass instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently; keep the operative field clear of debris; and retract oral tissues effectively and comfortably.
• Prepare dental medicaments and impression materials according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Complete intra-operative procedures in accordance with standard infection-control protocols.
• Assist with routine general dental procedures and specialized procedures such as oral surgery, endodontics, and periodontics.
• Comply with patient identification requirements and applicable steps in medication reconciliation, time-out, and informed-consent processes.
• Follow infection-control protocols throughout care and standard operating procedures for reusable medical equipment in the dental clinical area.
• Keep patients informed of clinic delays and communicate directly when treatment will not begin within 20 minutes of the scheduled appointment; provide an anticipated time, ask whether it is acceptable, and offer rescheduling if desired.
• Chart initial findings, existing conditions, and treatment plans in Dental Record Manager as appropriate.
• Complete electronic return-to-clinic orders using the Computerized Patient Record System.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on the position and eligibility.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior federal or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed