Dental Assistant

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; New York (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York Harbor VA Medical Center seeks a Dental Assistant to join their team. This position entails supporting dental procedures, maintaining equipment, and providing patient education. Ideal candidates will have a background in dental assisting, particularly in a fast-paced environment, and hold necessary certifications. The role is critical in ensuring high-quality patient care.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen.
• Six months experience in a dental office or equivalent.
• English language proficiency is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with various dental procedures including oral surgeries.
• Anticipate the needs of the dentist during treatment.
• Perform maintenance on dental equipment.

Skills

Knowledge of dental procedures

Patient education skills

Data entry skills

Ability to assist in surgery

Ability to interpret vital signs

Education

Completion of a 1-year dental assistant program

Certification as a radiographer

Job description

Summary

The New York Harbor VA Medical Center is seeking a Dental Assistant to support the New York Healthcare System (NYHHS) New York/ Manhattan campus. The announcement will remain open until the closing date of the announcement or until all vacancies have been filled - whichever occurs first. Applications will be reviewed and referred to the hiring managers as needed.

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: Experience: Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work - or provides familiarity with the work
• OR Education: Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
• OR 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: Successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board - Inc.
• OR 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 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
• English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements candidates must meet the following grade requirements
• GS-6 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: Ability to identify normal oral anatomy
• Advanced knowledge of instruments - materials - and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative - surgical - endodontic and periodontal care and procedures
• Ability to monitor and perform basic interpretation of vital signs
• Ability to independently provide procedure-specific patient education and appropriate referral of patient concerns to treating dentist
• Ability to capture standard and special dental images of good diagnostic quality in traditional or digital formats
• Ability to perform maintenance on dental equipment used for routine and specialty dentistry
• Ability to enter and retrieve data utilizing electronic dental records
• and Ability to perform dental assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures
• References: 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 GS-6 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• Duties include but are not limited to: Using the concepts of four-handed dentistry
• Assisting with specialty procedures including oral surgery - periodontal therapy - endodontic - prosthodontic and implant placement and restoration
• Anticipating surgeons/specialists needs at each stage of treatment
• Taking preliminary impressions
• Selecting and manipulating a variety of gypsums and waxes
• Pouring - trimming and evaluating the quality of diagnostic casts
• and Fabricating custom trays
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday
• 8am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required