Dental Assistant Job at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Hot Springs

Overview

Dental Assistant role at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision.

Responsibilities

• Customer Service: shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public.
• Chairside assisting: set up operatory or surgery suite for planned dental procedures and clean the dental unit for timely turnover; pass instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently; keep the operative field clear of debris and retract tissues as needed.
• Dental imaging: assist with imaging, ensure safety techniques are used, minimize retakes, and complete imaging requests within the required time frame.
• Infection control and equipment sterilization: demonstrate proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories; prepare instruments for sterilization; comply with reusable medical equipment requirements; prevent delays in clinical care.
• Clerical functions: assist with scheduling, fill gaps in the doctor’s schedule, record findings and treatment plans, and act as time-keeper and administrative support as needed.
• Information management: maintain patient confidentiality per HIPAA and follow computer security regulations.
• Patient safety: adjust care for patient age and abilities; provide clear patient instructions; participate in patient identification and time-out per JCAHO requirements; monitor patient condition during treatment.
• Vital signs: monitor and alert if values are outside normal limits.
• Employee education: comply with mandatory safety training.
• Dental laboratory functions: pour impressions, prepare study models, final denture impression trays, and perform other related tasks as time and skill permit.
• Direct patient care: remove sutures, manage periodontal dressings, impressions for diagnostic or provisional purposes, remove debris from tooth prep, recement temporary crowns, and place rubber dams and matrix bands; provide post-operative education.

Work Schedule

Full-time: Monday–Friday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm. Telework: Not available. This is not a virtual position.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
• Background/verification: subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use; background/security investigation; online onboarding; appropriate identification per I-9; influenza vaccination may be required.

Qualifications

• United States Citizenship required.
• Education/Experience: Successful completion of a 1-year CODA-accredited dental assistant program OR six months of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certification: Must meet radiologic credentialing standards (as described) and be able to perform radiographic procedures; non-certified applicants may be appointed temporarily as graduate dental assistants under certain authorities with termination possible if certification is not obtained.
• English proficiency: Proficient in spoken and written English.

Grade Determinations

The full-performance level is GS-6; the selection range may include GS-3 to GS-6 depending on qualifications.

Notes

Education and degrees must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for federal employment. Additional information about benefits and eligibility is available in the job posting.