Dental Assistant

VA Detroit; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Dental Assistant to join their team in Portland. This role offers a unique opportunity to provide essential patient care and support in a dynamic dental environment. As a Dental Assistant, you will perform a variety of tasks, from chairside assisting to managing dental imaging and infection control. The position requires strong customer service skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a team. If you are passionate about dental health and eager to make a difference in patients' lives, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Relocation Incentives

Health Benefits

Paid Time Off

Qualifications

• 6 months of relevant experience or completion of a 1-year dental assistant program.
• Certification in radiologic procedures and basic life support is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist with routine and specialized dental procedures, including oral surgery and implants.
• Manage scheduling gaps, assist with charting, and handle lab cases.

Skills

Customer Service

Chairside Assisting

Dental Imaging

Infection Control

Clerical Functions

Education

Accredited Dental Assistant Program

Certification in Radiologic Procedures

Basic Life Support Certification

Job description

Join to apply for the Dental Assistant role at VA Detroit.

Summary

Serves as a staff dental assistant at the full performance level for routine patient care, performing a full range of duties with indirect supervision from the lead or supervisory dental assistant or the treating dentist. Performs assigned procedures with some independence; complex procedures are performed under indirect supervision of more experienced staff.

Duties

1. Customer Service: Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers, and the public. Provides assistance with questions or concerns and service recovery.
2. Chairside Assisting: Sets up operatory/surgery suite, passes instruments safely and efficiently, maintains a clear operative field, prepares dental materials, and assists in routine and specialized dental procedures, including oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant placement, and restoration. Maintains dental equipment per standards.
3. Dental Imaging: Exposes standard and specialty dental images, ensures diagnostic quality, and adheres to safety protocols.
4. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization: Demonstrates infection control procedures, disinfects appliances, prepares instruments for sterilization, and works with SPD to ensure instrument availability.
5. Clerical Functions: Manages scheduling gaps, initiates progress notes, assists with charting, and handles lab cases and dental lab cards.

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:00pm (8 or 9 hour shifts available)

Additional Details: Not virtual; relocation incentives authorized; no PCS; position in the Excepted Service.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship
• Pre-employment drug screening and background check
• Proficiency in English
• Successful completion of physical exam and participation in influenza vaccination program

Qualifications

Basic requirements include U.S. citizenship and 6 months of relevant experience or completion of an accredited 1-year dental assistant program. Certification in radiologic procedures and basic life support is highly desirable. Grade levels GS-3 to GS-6 are available depending on experience and education.

Additional Information: Education from accredited institutions is required; foreign education must be verified. Service credit and veteran preference are applicable. The full performance level is GS-6.