Dental Assistant

Academy of General Dentistry; City of Batavia (NY); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dental assistant for their clinic in Batavia, NY. This full-time role involves supporting dental procedures, ensuring patient care, and maintaining compliance with safety protocols. Applicants should have relevant education or experience and be prepared for hands-on work in a clinical environment.

Qualifications

• Six months of dental assistant experience or completion of a CODA-accredited program.
• Understanding of infection control protocols and radiologic competency.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients and staff.

Responsibilities

• Assist with patient care and manage dental equipment.
• Prepare materials and follow infection control procedures.
• Support dental procedures and maintain a safe environment.

Skills

Patient Care

Infection Control

Dental Procedures Assistance

Communication

Education

Completion of a dental assistant program accredited by CODA

Certification in radiologic procedures (highly desirable)

Job description

Summary

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

Qualifications

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

Basic Requirements:

1. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
2. 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.
3. Experience and Education: Six months of 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).
4. Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying.
5. Certification: Persons who administer radiologic procedures must meet credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, including successful completion of an educational program meeting or exceeding those standards and certification as radiographers.
6. Loss of Credential: Failure to obtain or maintain required licensure/certification/registration must result in removal from the occupation, potentially leading to employment termination.
7. Provisions for Certification of Radiologic Competence: Completion of recognized courses or examinations in dental radiology and safety, including the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination by DANB or equivalent.
8. Certification by DANB is highly desirable but not required.
9. Preferred Experience: One year of dental assisting experience.
10. Reference: More information available at VA Qualification Standards website.
11. Grade Determinations: The full performance level is GS-06, requiring demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities including oral anatomy, instruments, procedures, vital sign interpretation, patient education, imaging, equipment maintenance, and data management.
12. Creditable Experience: Experience in current professional dental assisting practices, including graduation from a certified program or relevant work experience.
13. Physical Requirements: Tasks involve bending, standing, walking, reaching, and handling heavy instruments, with work in a healthcare setting involving bloodborne and airborne pathogens and the use of PPE.

Duties:

1. Show courtesy and respect to patients, co-workers, and the public.
2. Assist with patient questions, concerns, and service recovery.
3. Set up and clean dental operatory or surgery suite.
4. Pass instruments safely and efficiently, keep the operative field clear, and retract tissues.
5. Prepare medicaments and impression materials.
6. Perform intra-operative procedures following infection control protocols.
7. Assist in routine and specialized dental procedures, including oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, and implant procedures.
8. Maintain dental equipment and perform imaging in traditional and digital formats, ensuring diagnostic quality and safety.
9. Follow infection control procedures, sterilize instruments, and ensure availability of supplies.
10. Assist with scheduling, documentation, and patient education, including vital signs and post-operative care.
11. Perform laboratory functions such as making impressions, final denture trays, mouth guards, and bleaching trays.
12. Monitor patient condition during treatment and recovery.
13. Provide oral hygiene instructions and patient education.
14. Participate in safety training and ensure compliance with HIPAA and computer security regulations.

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.