The American Dental Hygienists' Association
Overview
The Fargo VA Health Care System is recruiting for 1 full-time Dental Assistant for the Surgical Care Service Line. The close date of this announcement has changed to 09/26/2025.
Qualifications Basic Requirements:
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
Experience and Education (1) Experience
Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work - or provides familiarity with the work
OR - (2) Education
Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
(3) Experience/Education Combination
Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying
Certification
Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75
Essentially - they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation - and is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education - and be certified as radiographers in their field
Provisions for Certification of Radiologic Competence: (a) Successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board - Inc.
OR - (b) Successful completion of the Principles and Practice of Dental Radiology and Radiographic Safety courses and examinations developed by the Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Dentistry
OR - (c) Successful completion of a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the Department of Defense (DoD)
Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification of radiologic competence may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate dental assistant under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405 (a) (1) (D)
Failure to obtain certification during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment
This will result in removal from the GS-681 series and may result in termination of employment
Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes DANB as the national certification for Dental Assistants
DANB certification is not required - but highly desirable for the appointment of Dental Assistants up to and including the full performance level
English Language Proficiency
Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a - this part
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
Grade Determinations: GS-3 Experience or Education
None beyond the basic requirements
GS-4 Experience or Education
In addition to the basic requirements - 1 year of experience at the next lower level - OR 2 years of education above high school that included completion of a dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs): 1
Basic knowledge of infection control and safe instrument handling
2
Basic knowledge of dental procedures and medical emergencies
3
Ability to perform basic radiographic image capture and processing/retrieval
4
Basic knowledge of maintenance - care and storage of dental equipment
5
Basic knowledge of patient privacy requirements
GS-5 Experience or Education
(1) In addition to the requirements listed at GS-4 above - applicants must demonstrate at least 1 year of experience equivalent to at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level
OR - (2) Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study that included or was supplemented by completion of a dental assistant program by CODA
In addition to meeting paragraph (1) or (2) above - the applicant must demonstrate the following KSA's: 1
Knowledge of anatomy and ability to evaluate diagnostic quality
2
Broad knowledge of common medical emergencies and vital signs measurement
3
Basic] knowledge of instruments - materials and standardized dental procedures
4
Ability to learn and utilize software programs used within VHA
5
Basic communication skills to provide patient instructions according to established protocol
GS-6 (Full Performance Level) Experience
At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level
In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: 1
Ability to identify normal oral anatomy
2
Advanced knowledge of instruments - materials - and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative - surgical - endodontic and periodontal care and procedures
3
Ability to monitor and perform basic interpretation of vital signs
4
Ability to independently provide procedure-specific patient education and appropriate referral of patient concerns to treating dentist
5
Ability to capture standard and special dental images of good diagnostic quality in traditional or digital formats
6
Ability to perform maintenance on dental equipment used for routine and specialty dentistry
7
Ability to enter and retrieve data utilizing electronic dental records
8
Ability to perform dental assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package
We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications
Failure to demonstrate your experience in your resume may result in disqualification
It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position
Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
Duties
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers
This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest
As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care - you will operate in a model with three core elements - seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran
This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community
This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being
Duties include - but are not limited to: Patient Care Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover
Receives and prepares patient for treatment including seating - positioning chair and placing napkin
Performs disinfection and sterilizing procedures
Prepares procedural trays/armamentaria setups
Performs basic chairside assisting with direct instruction from treating dentist
Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably
Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols
Assists in routine general dental procedures
Maintains a field of operation during dental procedures using retraction - suction - irrigation - drying - placing and removing cotton rolls
Provides patient-preventative education and oral hygiene instruction
Maintains dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standards
Relays patient concerns to treating dentist
Performs other duties as required
Dental Imaging Exposes and processes basic dental radiographs with direct supervision
Mounts and labels dental radiographs or saves digital imaging to electronic medical records under direct supervision
Utilizes dental-imaging safety techniques
Complies with standard recommendation for equipment maintenance
Demonstrates proper infection-control procedures in exposing images
Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up Operatories
Properly prepares instruments for transfer to SPS for sterilization
Follows all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment
Clerical Functions Directs patient to appropriate staff for scheduling visits
Information Management Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information
Follows computer security regulations
Patient Safety Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position)
Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients
Participates in patient identification and time out per The Joint Commission requirements
Employee Education Complies with Employee Education requirements
Completes mandatory annual training sessions
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m
Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Qualifications Basic Requirements:
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
Experience and Education (1) Experience
Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work - or provides familiarity with the work
OR - (2) Education
Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
(3) Experience/Education Combination
Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying
Certification
Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75
Essentially - they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation - and is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education - and be certified as radiographers in their field
Provisions for Certification of Radiologic Competence: (a) Successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board - Inc.
OR - (b) Successful completion of the Principles and Practice of Dental Radiology and Radiographic Safety courses and examinations developed by the Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Dentistry
OR - (c) Successful completion of a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the Department of Defense (DoD)
Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification of radiologic competence may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate dental assistant under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405 (a) (1) (D)
Failure to obtain certification during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment
This will result in removal from the GS-681 series and may result in termination of employment
Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes DANB as the national certification for Dental Assistants
DANB certification is not required - but highly desirable for the appointment of Dental Assistants up to and including the full performance level
English Language Proficiency
Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a - this part
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
Grade Determinations: GS-3 Experience or Education
None beyond the basic requirements
GS-4 Experience or Education
In addition to the basic requirements - 1 year of experience at the next lower level - OR 2 years of education above high school that included completion of a dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs): 1
Basic knowledge of infection control and safe instrument handling
2
Basic knowledge of dental procedures and medical emergencies
3
Ability to perform basic radiographic image capture and processing/retrieval
4
Basic knowledge of maintenance - care and storage of dental equipment
5
Basic knowledge of patient privacy requirements
GS-5 Experience or Education
(1) In addition to the requirements listed at GS-4 above - applicants must demonstrate at least 1 year of experience equivalent to at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level
OR - (2) Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study that included or was supplemented by completion of a dental assistant program by CODA
In addition to meeting paragraph (1) or (2) above - the applicant must demonstrate the following KSA's: 1
Knowledge of anatomy and ability to evaluate diagnostic quality
2
Broad knowledge of common medical emergencies and vital signs measurement
3
Basic] knowledge of instruments - materials and standardized dental procedures
4
Ability to learn and utilize software programs used within VHA
5
Basic communication skills to provide patient instructions according to established protocol
GS-6 (Full Performance Level) Experience
At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level
In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: 1
Ability to identify normal oral anatomy
2
Advanced knowledge of instruments - materials - and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative - surgical - endodontic and periodontal care and procedures
3
Ability to monitor and perform basic interpretation of vital signs
4
Ability to independently provide procedure-specific patient education and appropriate referral of patient concerns to treating dentist
5
Ability to capture standard and special dental images of good diagnostic quality in traditional or digital formats
6
Ability to perform maintenance on dental equipment used for routine and specialty dentistry
7
Ability to enter and retrieve data utilizing electronic dental records
8
Ability to perform dental assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package
We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications
Failure to demonstrate your experience in your resume may result in disqualification
It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position
Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
Duties
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers
This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest
As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care - you will operate in a model with three core elements - seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran
This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community
This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being
Duties include - but are not limited to: Patient Care Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover
Receives and prepares patient for treatment including seating - positioning chair and placing napkin
Performs disinfection and sterilizing procedures
Prepares procedural trays/armamentaria setups
Performs basic chairside assisting with direct instruction from treating dentist
Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably
Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols
Assists in routine general dental procedures
Maintains a field of operation during dental procedures using retraction - suction - irrigation - drying - placing and removing cotton rolls
Provides patient-preventative education and oral hygiene instruction
Maintains dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standards
Relays patient concerns to treating dentist
Performs other duties as required
Dental Imaging Exposes and processes basic dental radiographs with direct supervision
Mounts and labels dental radiographs or saves digital imaging to electronic medical records under direct supervision
Utilizes dental-imaging safety techniques
Complies with standard recommendation for equipment maintenance
Demonstrates proper infection-control procedures in exposing images
Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up Operatories
Properly prepares instruments for transfer to SPS for sterilization
Follows all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment
Clerical Functions Directs patient to appropriate staff for scheduling visits
Information Management Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information
Follows computer security regulations
Patient Safety Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position)
Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients
Participates in patient identification and time out per The Joint Commission requirements
Employee Education Complies with Employee Education requirements
Completes mandatory annual training sessions
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m
Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
#J-18808-Ljbffr