Dental Assistant

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; City of Batavia (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is hiring a dental assistant for its Batavia clinic. Responsibilities include assisting the dentist, managing patient care, and maintaining dental records. Ideal candidates will have a year of experience in dental assisting and meet the required educational and certification standards.

Qualifications

• Citizenship required; non-citizens must meet VA Policy.
• Must be proficient in basic English.
• Must meet credentialing standards for radiologic procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist the dentist and prepare patients for procedures.
• Sterilize instruments and maintain dental records.
• Monitor and interpret vital signs.

Skills

Knowledge of dental instruments

Patient education

Monitor vital signs

Use electronic dental records

Ability to perform laboratory procedures

Education

Completion of a 1-year dental assistant program

Six months experience

Job description

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dental assistant for the dental clinic in Batavia, NY.

Duties of the VA Dental Assistant:

Responsibilities include assisting the dentist, preparing patients for procedures, sterilizing instruments, and maintaining dental records.

Requirements:

Applicants pending completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Qualifications:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Experience and Education:
  • Six months experience demonstrating ability to perform the work or familiarity with the work.
  • OR successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
  • Experience/education combination: Equivalent combinations are qualifying.
• Certification: Must meet credentialing standards for radiologic procedures as per Public Law 97-35, including successful completion of relevant educational programs and certification as radiographers.

May qualify based on the Grandfathering Provision if current VHA employee and meet criteria.

Preferred Experience: One year of dental assisting experience.

For more information, visit VA Qualification Standards.

Grade Determinations:

The full performance level is GS-06.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Identify normal oral anatomy.
• Knowledge of dental instruments, materials, and procedures.
• Monitor and interpret vital signs.
• Provide patient education and referrals.
• Capture diagnostic dental images.
• Maintain dental equipment.
• Use electronic dental records.
• Perform laboratory procedures.

Creditable Experience:

• Experience in current professional dental assisting practices.
• Experience in various healthcare settings.
• Part-time experience credited proportionally.

Physical Requirements:

Tasks involve bending, standing, walking, lifting heavy items, and working with bloodborne and airborne pathogens in a healthcare environment requiring PPE. Must handle multiple tasks in stressful situations.