Dental Assistant

Summary

Incumbent will serve as part of the Specialty Care Service with the VA Prescott, AZ Healthcare System. The dental assistant serves as a supporting member of the dental care team performing a full range of duties with some independence in assigned specialties, with indirect supervision from the lead dental assistant or treating dentist. She/he complies with guidelines and policies set forth by the Specialty Care Service, NAVAHCS, VHA policy, and VA statutes and policy.

Duties

• Major duties include, but are not limited to: Perform routine and specialty dental care. Assists in complex procedures in specialty dentistry under general supervision. Demonstrate extensive knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures in the specialty areas of oral surgery, endodontics, and implant dentistry Assist the Dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. Provide assistance to customers regarding any questions or concerns, providing service recovery as needed. Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably. Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions. Accomplish all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols. Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, and dental implants. Prepares for and assists in Operating Room when necessary, observing Operating Room protocols. Dental Imaging - Images are characterized by diagnostic quality accurately oriented and exposed. Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized. Complete Imaging requests within the desired time frame. Use proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories. Assists patients in scheduling appointments in compliance with scheduling processes and procedures. Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments. Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records. Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: 7:30am- 4pm Monday- Friday Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not authorized

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.