Dental Assistant

Dental Assistants at this level serve staff dental assistants at the full performance level for more routine patient care and perform some complex patient procedures under general supervision of more experienced dental assistants or dental supervisor. The Dental Assistants assist the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision.

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT, the initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 05/08/2026 OR until positions are filled. Duties and skills needed to be successful in this position include, but are not limited to: Customer Service - Shows courtesy, respect, and positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public - Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery. Chairside Assisting- 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 tissue effectively and comfortably- Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions- Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols- Assists in routine general dental procedures- Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics- spends 25% of clinical time assisting the following: complicated periodontics such as periodontal surgery, complicated endodontic treatment, prosthodontic treatment and oral surgery procedures. Dental Imaging- Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed- Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes and minimized- Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame. Direct Patient care- Remove sutures- Impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication- Remove temporary crown or bridge and clean tooth preparation of debris- Recement and fabricate temporary crowns- Coronal polishing of teeth- Place rubber dams. Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization -- Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories - Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards Rocky Mountain Network Human Resources Title 38/Hybrid Title 38 Functional Statement - Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care - Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images. Dental Lab Functions- Pours impressions and prepares study models if needed- Performs other laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow. Clerical Functions - Assists patients is scheduling appointments - Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancelations and failed appointments - Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records. Information Management - Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information - Follows computer security regulations. Patient Safety - Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position) - Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients - Participates in patient identification and time out per JCAHO requirements - Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. Employee Education -Complies with Employee Education requirements - Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions. Other duties as assigned to meet the needs of the Medical Center Work Schedule: Monday-Friday Compressed/Flexible: Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 54843-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. 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.