Dental Assistant

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is looking for dental assistants at the GS-6 level for the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. This role involves performing advanced dental assistant duties under supervision while assisting dentists and maintaining treatment areas.

Qualified candidates must be U.S. citizens with relevant experience or training, and possess certification in radiologic competence. The position offers a structured work schedule with flexible options but does not include telework.

Qualifications

• Minimum of six months of relevant experience or completion of a one-year accredited dental assistant program.
• Certification in radiologic competence is required.
• DANB, ADA, or other national dental certifications are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists and specialists in patient care and clinical functions.
• Maintain dental treatment areas and manage supplies.
• Provide patient education and maintain accurate electronic dental records.

Skills

Experience in dental assisting

Certification in radiologic competence

Basic life-support certification

Proficiency in English

Clinical skills

Physical ability to assist patients

Education

One-year accredited dental assistant program

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Job description

Summary

The Cincinnati VA Medical Center (CVAMC) seeks dental assistants at the GS‑6 level to perform advanced dental assistant duties independently under general supervision. The position fills multiple vacancies in the Dental Services Department and will remain open until filled.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship is required. Non‑citizens may be considered only if qualified citizens cannot be recruited per VA policy.
• Minimum of six months of relevant experience, or completion of a one‑year accredited dental assistant program, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certification in radiologic competence is required; candidates must have completed the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination, or equivalent courses, and be certified by an accredited organization. Basic life‑support certification is desirable.
• DANB, ADA, or other national dental‑assistant certifications are highly desirable but not mandatory for entry‑level positions.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.
• Radiographic, manual, and clinical skills as defined in the VA qualification standard must be demonstrated.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, bend, lift equipment, and assist patients is required.

Duties

• Assist dentists, dental specialists, and hygienists in patient care, including clinical, laboratory, and clerical functions.
• Set up and maintain dental treatment areas, sterilize instruments, and manage materials and supplies.
• Perform and interpret diagnostic radiographs, ensuring diagnostic quality in traditional and digital formats.
• Provide patient education and developmental‑appropriate care, and assist with patient preparation and positioning.
• Maintain accurate electronic dental records and perform laboratory procedures such as impression making and study model fabrication.
• Follow infection‑control policies and OSHA/CDC guidelines for sterilization and safety.

Work Schedule

• Compressed Tour: Monday‑Thursday 6:30 am‑4:00 pm; Friday 6:30 am‑3:00 pm, every other Friday off.
• Compressed/Flexible schedule available; telework not available.