Dental Assistant

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; New York (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a skilled Dental Assistant to join their Dental Program at a renowned medical center. This role involves a variety of intra-oral procedures, providing essential chair-side assistance in both clinic and operating room settings. The ideal candidate will be responsible for educating patients about restorative, periodontal, and oral surgery procedures while ensuring a safe and comfortable environment. This position is perfect for those passionate about dental care and eager to contribute to patient health and education.

Qualifications

• Completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by CODA.
• Certification in radiologic procedures and basic life support methods.

Responsibilities

• Assist with intra-oral dental procedures and provide chair-side assistance.
• Educate patients regarding various dental procedures.

Skills

Dental Procedures

Patient Education

Radiologic Procedures

Basic Life Support

Electronic Dental Records

Education

Dental Assistant Program

Certification by DANB

Tools

Dental Equipment

Job description

Summary

This position is within the Dental Program located at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center. The position entails a wide range of intra-oral dental procedures and provides chair-side assistance in the clinic and operating room setting. The incumbent assists with, performs, and educates patients regarding intra-oral procedures associated with various phases of restorative (prosthodontic and maxillofacial prosthetic), periodontal, endodontic, and oral surgery procedures.

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:

• 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:
• Six months experience demonstrating ability or familiarity with the work, or completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by CODA, or equivalent experience/education combination.
• Certification in radiologic procedures as per Public Law 97-35, including successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination or equivalent courses.
• Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable.
• Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is highly desirable but not required for appointment; required for positions above full performance level.
• Physical requirements as per VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Grade Requirements:

• Creditable experience includes graduation from a certified dental assisting training program or experience in various health care settings.
• Part-time experience is credited proportionally.
• GS-6 Staff Dental Assistant: At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level demonstrating core competencies.

Additional Qualifications:

• Ability to identify normal oral anatomy, knowledge of instruments and procedures, ability to monitor vital signs, provide patient education, capture dental images, perform maintenance on dental equipment, and use electronic dental records.
• Assignments include assisting with specialty procedures, taking impressions, fabricating casts, and other duties at the full performance level with some independence.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Work involves fine motor movements, sitting, standing, walking, bending, twisting, and lifting light items.
• Performed in a clinic setting with safety precautions, adequate lighting, heating, and ventilation, sometimes under stressful situations.