Dental Assistant

The American Dental Hygienists' Association; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oklahoma City VA Healthcare System is recruiting Dental Assistants for its Dental Service. Candidates will assist with dental procedures, manage records, and ensure patient preparedness, requiring a combination of specific certifications and educational credentials.

Benefits

Recruitment Incentives

Qualifications

• Six months experience or an accredited 1-year dental assistant program.
• Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Set up operatory and clean dental units for procedures.
• Assist with patient education and oral hygiene instructions.
• Maintain dental equipment and record-keeping as per standards.

Skills

Radiologic procedures certification

English Language Proficiency

Patient education

Education

1-year dental assistant program

Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board

Job description

Summary

The Oklahoma City VA Healthcare System - Dental Service - is currently recruiting four (4) Dental Assistants located in Oklahoma City, OK. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2025, or until all positions are filled.

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).
• Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying.
• Certification:
• Persons administering radiologic procedures must meet credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, including successful completion of an accredited educational program and certification as radiographers.
• Provisions for Certification of Radiologic Competence: Successful completion of relevant examinations or courses as specified.
• Non-certified applicants meeting other requirements may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate dental assistant under 38 U.S.C. § 7405 (a) (1) (D). Failure to obtain certification during this period may lead to termination.
• Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable.
• Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is recognized by the ADA and is highly desirable but not required for certain levels, and mandatory for higher positions.
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English.

Grade Determinations:

Details the experience, education, and knowledge required for each grade level from GS-3 to GS-6, including specific skills and abilities.

Physical Requirements: Light carrying under 15 pounds, reaching above shoulder, both hands required, walking/standing 8-10 hours, repeated bending, specific visual requirements, rapid mental and muscular coordination, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors, hearing.

Duties

• Set up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedures and clean dental units for timely turnover.
• Receive and prepare patients, including seating, positioning, and placing napkins.
• Retrieve pertinent patient records prior to treatment.
• Perform disinfection and sterilization procedures.
• Prepare procedural trays and assist chairside with direct instructions from the dentist.
• Keep operative field clear, assist with intra-operative procedures, and report medical emergencies.
• Assist with routine and basic restorative procedures, maintain operation field, and assist with laboratory procedures.
• Provide patient education and oral hygiene instructions.
• Maintain dental equipment and record-keeping as per standards.
• Work Schedule: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday. Compressed/Flexible schedule at supervisor’s discretion. No telework; this is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 53508 - 53409 - 53410. Recruitment Incentives: Yes.