Dental Assistant

The Cincinnati VA Medical Center is currently seeking a Dental Assistant to join our team. Dental assistants at this level serve in dental assistant positions independently performing more complex work in assigned specialties while receiving general supervision.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major Duties and Responsibilities: Employees al this level serve at full performance level for routine patient care. They perform a full range of duties with direct and indirect supervision from a lead or supervisory dental assistant or an independent dental care provider (dentist dental specialist) or hygienist. They perform assigned selected procedures. Some complex patient care procedures are performed under the direct or indirect supervision of more experienced dental assistants, independent dental care providers (dentists, dental specialists) or hygienists. Duties include but not limited to: a. Customer Service Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public. b. Chairside Assisting Sets up the dental treatment area/surgical suite for planned dental/surgical treatment procedures prior and during patient care encounters. Passes instruments safely, accurately and efficiently to facilitate safe, efficient, and effective patient care. Stocks, cleans and disinfects the dental treatment area. Competent in four-handed dentistry for general dental procedures. Assist in specialty dental care. c. Dental Imaging Competent in exposure of diagnostic quality standard. Competent in the troubleshooting of image quality problems. Performs dental imaging duties utilizing radiation safety techniques/practices for patient safety and worker safety. d. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization Performs duties utilizing proper infection control technique. Removes bioburden from used instruments. Maintains instrument and equipment inventory. Handles, cares for, and manages equipment in accordance with current Standard Operating e. Clerical/ Administrative Duties The dental assistant helps the provider(s) fill in open appointments created by (I) a late cancellation, (2) failed appointments, (3) scheduling error. Chart exam findings identified by the provider(s). Will assist the provider(s) in meeting monitoring thresholds. Responsible to ensure that accurate and appropriate information if available for patient scheduling. f. Information Management Maintains patient confidentiality in accordance with HlPAA standards, VHA, VISN I 0. Cincinnati VA Medical Center, and Dental Service policy. g. Patient Safety Competently monitors patient vital signs. h. Employee Education The dental assistant completes mandatory annual training sessions. i. Dental Laboratory Duties Pours impressions, prepares study models. and trims study models to meet the needs of the provider(s). Fabricates custom impression trays to meet the needs of the provider(s). Performs other assigned laboratory duties as time and competency allows. j. Direct Patient Care Under the supervision of the provider(s), and at the direct request of the provider(s) will (if individual qualification allows) i. Remove sutures ii. Remove periodontal dressings iii. Impress for diagnostic casts iv. Impress preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication v. Remove temporary crowns/bridges vi. Clean teeth of cement, operative debris vii. Perform coronal polishing Work Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 6:40a.m.-4:00p.m. Compressed/Flexible: Yes Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92627-0

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.