Dental Assistant

Military Treatment Facilities under DHA•Scott AFB, IL

10d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at the 375th Medical Group at Scott AFB in Illinois. The Dental Assistant receives patients and conducts preliminary screening, assists dentists with simple and complex procedures, observes patients during treatment, provides oral hygiene instruction for care of prosthodontic appliances, performs dental radiographic work, and relays post-treatment care instructions from the dentist. A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized, salary negotiation may be available for candidates new to Federal service, and student loan repayment may be authorized. Non-Federal work experience may be creditable for leave purposes. The position requires radiology credentials meeting applicable federal standards, qualifying experience or education, and current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Employment is subject to background and suitability screening, pre-placement medical examination, immunization requirements, seasonal influenza vaccination or a recognized exemption, and pre-employment and random drug testing. Moderate to heavy lifting up to 15 pounds may be required.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must meet the radiology certification and education standards described under Public Law 97-35 and 42 CFR Part 75, including applicable radiographer certification requirements.
One year of specialized experience performing intra-oral procedures, taking preliminary impressions, and operating dental x-ray equipment; or successful completion of a full four-year dental assistant or dental hygiene course of study including at least 24 semester hours of specified radiology coursework; or a qualifying combination of education and experience totaling at least 100%.
Must be able to obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association; advanced certification does not replace BLS.
Must consent to seasonal influenza vaccination or provide a recognized exemption.
Must undergo a Personnel Security Investigation and any required suitability or fitness determination.
Must undergo pre-employment screening and random drug testing, including random drug urinalysis.
A pre-placement medical examination is required.
Immunization screening is required; Hepatitis B immunization is required for positions with direct patient contact, and other immunization proof may be required depending on the position.
Moderate to heavy lifting up to 15 pounds may be required.
Foreign education used to meet qualifications must be evaluated as equivalent to U.S. accredited education or receive 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.
Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
Must complete a one-year probationary period.
Direct deposit of pay is required.

Responsibilities

Receive patients and conduct preliminary screening.
Assist dentists with simple and complex procedures, including tooth removal, surgical removal of impacted teeth, alveoloplasty, minor periprosthetic surgery of hard and soft tissues, and excisional biopsies.
Observe patients throughout treatment for signs of syncope, shock, or other reactions to treatment.
Provide oral hygiene instruction for care of prosthodontic appliances.
Perform dental radiographic work.
Relay the dentist's instructions to patients for post-treatment care.