Dental Assistant

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry seeks a dental assistant to support the provider in a hospital setting at the Salem VA Medical Center. This role includes assisting in various complex dental procedures and promoting patient care through education and support. Candidates should have experience in dental assisting or be graduates of accredited programs.

Qualifications

• Must demonstrate ability or familiarity with dental procedures.
• Required experience includes assisting with clinical functions.
• Certification in radiologic procedures preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the dentist in direct patient care.
• Manage patient scheduling and maintain a sterile environment.
• Support dental procedures across specialties.

Skills

Patient Care

Infection Control Procedures

Patient Education

Education

Certification by DANB

ADA-accredited dental assistant program

Job description

Summary

This position is located in the Dental Service at the Salem VA Medical Center (VAMC). Performs duties of a dental assistant in a hospital-based dental clinic. Serves as a staff assistant, assisting the provider and independently performing complex dentistry procedures such as restorative, endodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, implantology, and oral surgery, utilizing four-handed dentistry techniques.

Qualifications

To qualify, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date: 04/28/2022.

Basic Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship: Non-citizens may be appointed only if qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Experience: Six months of experience demonstrating ability or familiarity with the work, or completion of a 1-year ADA-accredited dental assistant program, or an equivalent combination.
• Certification: Must meet radiologic procedure credentialing standards per 42 CFR Part 75, including completion of recognized educational programs and certification by DANB (preferred but not required).

Grade Determination:

• GS-03: No experience beyond basic requirements; serves as a developmental staff dental assistant.
• GS-04: One year of experience at GS-03 or two years of education including an ADA-accredited program; performs routine duties under supervision.
• GS-05: One year of experience at GS-04 or completion of a 4-year dental assistant program; performs routine to advanced procedures with some independence.
• GS-06: One year of experience at GS-05 demonstrating advanced skills; performs full-range duties with some independence, including assisting in specialty procedures.

Duties

• Assist the dentist in direct patient care and perform clinical and clerical functions under supervision.
• Set up operatory, pass instruments, maintain a sterile environment, and assist with dental imaging.
• Follow infection control procedures and assist with sterilization.
• Manage patient scheduling, charting, and confidentiality.
• Provide patient education and assist with laboratory functions.
• Support dental procedures across specialties, including oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics, and prosthodontics.