Dental Assistant

The position is located in the Dental Department of the Surgery Care Line at the Lebanon VA Medical Center. The assistant enhances the dentist's capabilities by facilitating patient care in the areas of restorative dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, radiology, and oral surgery. The assistant also provides emotional support for the patient, assumes delegated responsibilities from the dentist, and acts as a liaison between Dental Clinic and the medical center sterilization program.

Duties of the Staff Dental Assistant include but are not limited to the following: Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public. Assists patients with questions and concerns. Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably. Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions. Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed. Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized. Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame. Provides patient education appropriate to the veteran's needs and oral conditions. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures when providing services. Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards. Provides oral hygiene instructions and general information to patients. Prepares instruments and materials needed for operating room procedures, and assists in oralsurgery in the operating room, following proper O.R. protocol. Answers telephone, and schedules patients as needed. Assists the Periodontist, Oral Surgeon, and Endodontist. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, the tour of duty may be selected upon hire and must occur between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 006288F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

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. 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.