Dental Assistant

Duties

Some duties include:

• Serves as dental auxiliary for the Dental Service. Performs chairside assistance duties in all phases of restorative, prosthodontic, oral surgery, endodontic and periodontal treatment.
• Provides 4-handed dentistry that includes patient seating, draping retraction, suction and passing of instruments.
• Support and follow all infectious disease policies including proper management of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME).
• At the discretion of the provider, able to performs the following intra-oral procedures: take preliminary impressions for study models; remove sutures, place/remove rubber dams (during periapical x-ray procedures); place periodontal dressing; and place matrix bands and wedges.
• Takes and records blood pressure and pulse of patients new to the Dental Service, as well as oral surgery patients before and after treatment.
• Digital intra-and extra-oral radiographs with minimal retakes.
• Relays dentist's post-treatment instructions to patients. As part of the preventive dentistry program, instructs patients in brushing and flossing techniques and common causes of dental caries, patient application of fluorides and care of prosthodontic appliances.
• At the discretion of the provider, records information relayed by the dentist into the patient chart, on prescriptions and other forms in preparation for the signature of the dentist.
• Adheres to appropriate Dental SOP's (e.g., knows SOP for Methyl Methacrylate and Burning Alcohol, etc.), MCM's, HIPPA, JC and Network Security, Infection Control procedures/ policies, and OSHA standards for clinical and laboratory operations in performance of his/her duties.
• Has full record keeping, receptionist and some housekeeping (limited to work area) responsibilities.
• Records patients' medical histories, charts examination and treatment information as relayed by the dentist and properly fill out appropriate laboratory forms.
• Maintains dental equipment in a clean and operating condition; properly stores and maintains adequate levels of supplies, so that patient care is not affected by supply shortages.
• Properly lays out all instruments and materials needed for each treatment; prepares the patient and operatory in a timely manner (i. e., adheres to the posted schedule).
• Prepares instrument, cart, materials and equipment as indicated for processing/sterilization by SPS; prepares surgical trays for the dental clinic and operating room. Maintains operatory mobile cart.
• Keeps area of operation clear using high speed evacuation; suction tip and irrigation; retracts tissue, tongue and cheeks.
• In surgical procedures maintains aseptic conditions, stabilizes tissue for dentist and tying and cutting sutures. Keeps alert to condition of patient during treatment for signs of fainting or shock.
• Maintains adequate supplies and requests expendable supplies as appropriate.
• At the discretion of the provider, pours and trims models from impressions and constructs custom impression trays.
• Assists in the training of trainee dental assistants, dental assistant students and dental hygiene students from area community colleges. Demonstrates routinely maintained work area/ operatory, chair-side assisting and radiographic techniques. Observes and advises trainees and students as they perform these duties.
• Incumbent wears, without constant reminder, any and all personal protective equipment (PPE) provided as required by the job tasks being performed. Ensures appropriate personal protective equipment is used when required by the job in order to prevent injury to self, patients, other staff and visitors.
• After having received training, identifies hazardous waste generated in the work area and properly labels, packages, stores and segregates from non-compatible materials, all identified hazardous waste.
• Appropriately cleans up minor releases of hazardous materials/waste in the work area; follows proper procedures for reporting major releases in the work area and notifies his/her supervisor of need to file all required reports far hazardous material/waste releases within the required time as per OSHA Regulations, as well as Accident Form 2162 and CA I or CA 2 if personnel injury/illness is involved.
• Responsible for Dental Unit Waterline disinfection and maintenance.
• Treats all persons with respect, courtesy and dignity so as to promote a harmonious and cooperative working environment. Demonstrates a concerned, compassionate, cooperative and helpful attitude in contacts with patients, family members, providers and visitors. Exercises patience with veterans having special needs and contacts appropriate staff when confronted with disruptive or potentially assaultive situations.
• Uses non-patient care time in a constructive manner. For example, supporting other providers, assisting at the front desk, completing mandatory continuing education, and restocking operatories, to-name-few.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• 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.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment evaluation examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Benefits

  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
  

  • Proof of successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc.; OR, successful completion of the Principles and Practice of Dental Radiology and Radiographic Safety courses and examinations developed by the Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Dentistry OR, successful completion of a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the Department of Defense (DoD).
  • Resume

  
  
  The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
  
  

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • Proof of successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc.; OR, successful completion of the Principles and Practice of Dental Radiology and Radiographic Safety courses and examinations developed by the Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Dentistry OR, successful completion of a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the Department of Defense (DoD).
  • Proof of certification in basic life support methods
  • Proof of certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
  • Resume
  • Transcript

  
  
  Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

  All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 01/25/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12277892.

  • To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

  • Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

  
  NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
  
  To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

  Agency contact information

  Asaph Blodgett

  Email

  Asaph.Blodgett2@va.gov

  Address

  VA New Jersey Health Care System
  385 Tremont Avenue
  East Orange, NJ 07018
  US

  Next steps

  Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
  
  You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
  
  NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Clarification from the agency

Area of consideration: U.S. Citizens