Dental Assistant

VA Detroit; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading medical center in Salem, Virginia, is seeking a Dental Assistant to support dental services. The position involves chairside assisting, patient care, and necessary clerical tasks within a collaborative environment. Ideal candidates must be U.S. citizens with completion of an accredited dental assistant program, possess strong customer service skills, and be capable of managing various dental procedures.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Experience, education, or combination thereof expected.
• Certification in radiologic procedures and DANB certification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assists the dentist in patient care and performs various clinical and clerical functions.
• Maintains a clear operative field and demonstrates safety procedures.
• Schedules appointments and maintains patient confidentiality.

Skills

Customer Service

Chairside Assisting

Dental Imaging

Infection Control

Information Management

Patient Safety

Education

Completion of an accredited dental assistant program

Job description

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Summary

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

Duties

The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in patient care and performs clinical and clerical functions under supervision.

• Customer Service: Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude; assists patients with questions or concerns.
• Chairside Assisting: Sets up operatory, passes instruments, maintains a clear operative field.
• Dental Imaging: Takes diagnostic quality images, uses safety techniques, minimizes retakes.
• Infection Control: Demonstrates proper procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories.
• Clerical Functions: Schedules appointments, assists with cancellations, charts findings and treatment plans.
• Information Management: Maintains patient confidentiality, follows security regulations.
• Patient Safety: Modifies care based on patient needs, provides instructions.
• Employee Education: Completes safety training and education requirements.
• Dental Laboratory Functions: Coordinates cases with the lab.
• Direct Patient Care: Provides post-operative education, assists during procedures, supports specialists, and cleans dental appliances.

Work Schedule

7:30am - 5:00pm Monday - Thursday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Friday, every other Friday off. Flexible schedule available. Not a virtual position.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen, pass drug screening, background check, physical exam, and comply with vaccination policies. Proficiency in English required.

Qualifications

Basic requirements include U.S. citizenship and either experience, education, or a combination thereof. Certification in radiologic procedures and DANB certification are highly desirable.

Grade Levels

GS-03 to GS-06, with detailed experience and KSAs for each level.

Education

Completion of an accredited dental assistant program or equivalent experience required.

Physical Requirements

Exposure to hazards, long periods of standing, walking, sitting, and bending.

Additional Information

Includes details on benefits, veteran preferences, application requirements, and employment policies.