Dental Assistant

The American Dental Hygienists' Association; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Dental Assistant to support dentists in patient care and perform essential clinical and clerical duties. The role involves ensuring patient safety, managing dental imaging, and maintaining equipment. Ideal candidates will have relevant experience or education, with certification in radiologic procedures preferred.

Qualifications

• Six months of experience in dental work or completion of an ADA-accredited program.
• Certification in radiologic procedures required.

Responsibilities

• Perform chairside assisting and manage dental imaging.
• Follow infection control protocols and support dental team operations.

Skills

Knowledge of infection control

Radiography

Medical emergencies

Equipment maintenance

Education

1-year ADA-accredited dental assistant program

Job description

Summary

Dental assistants support dentists in all aspects of patient care and perform various clinical and clerical duties.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the announcement's closing date.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may be appointed only if qualified citizens are unavailable, per VA Policy.
• Experience and Education: Six months of experience demonstrating ability or familiarity with dental work, or completion of a 1-year ADA-accredited dental assistant program.
• Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combinations are qualifying.
• Certification: Must meet radiologic procedure credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, including completion of relevant courses or examinations.
• Provisions for Certification: Temporary appointments available for non-certified applicants meeting eligibility, with certification required within a specified period.
• Life Support Certification: Highly desirable.
• Certification by DANB: Recognized as the national standard; not required but preferred, and mandatory for higher-level positions.
• Loss of Credential: Failure to obtain or maintain licensure/certification may lead to removal from the occupation and employment termination.
• Grade Levels: GS-3 to GS-6, with increasing responsibilities and KSAs at each level, including knowledge of infection control, radiography, anatomy, medical emergencies, and equipment maintenance.

Duties

• At GS-6: Perform chairside assisting, prepare operatory and dental materials, assist in various dental procedures, manage dental imaging, follow infection control protocols, and perform clerical and laboratory functions.
• Ensure patient safety, maintain equipment, and support dental team operations efficiently.