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

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This position is located in the Dental Service at the Salem VA Medical Center (VAMC). Performs the duties of a dental assistant in a hospital-based dental clinic. At this level, serves as a staff assistant, assisting the provider and utilizing techniques of four-handed dentistry.

A $5,000 recruitment incentive may be authorized.

Duties: The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions under direct supervision.

• Customer Service: Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers, and the public.
• Chairside Assisting: Set up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover.
• Dental Imaging: Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed.
• Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization: Demonstrate proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories.
• Clerical Functions: Assist patients in scheduling appointments.
• Information Management: Maintain patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information.
• Patient Safety: Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities.
• Employee Education: Complies with Employee Education requirements.
• Dental Laboratory Functions: Coordination of Dental Laboratory cases with the doctor and the laboratory.
• Direct Patient Care: Provide post-operative and other appropriate patient education.

Work Schedule: 7:30am - 5:00pm Monday - Thursday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Friday, every other Friday off

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.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Qualifications: To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Experience: Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work, or provides familiarity with the work.
• Education: Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
• Certification: Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75.

Grade Determination: GS-03, GS-04, GS-05, GS-06

Physical Requirements: Work involves regular and recurring exposure to potential hazards of radiation and communicable diseases.