Dental Assistant

Summary

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Assignments at this level include, but are not limited to: using the concepts of four-handed dentistry; assists with specialty procedures including oral surgery, periodontal therapy, endodontic, prosthodontic and implant placement and restoration; anticipates surgeons/specialists needs at each stage of treatment; takes preliminary impressions; selects and manipulates a variety of gypsums and waxes; pours, trims and evaluates the quality of diagnostic casts; fabricates custom trays.

This job is open to

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The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Veterans

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference

Duties

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Duties my include but may not be limited to: Customer Service

• Relationships with management, co-workers, patients, and the general public are consistently courteous, respectful, and cooperative in nature.
  
• Employee will display a cooperative attitude and will effectively work together to implement the organization's mission and goals.
  
• Employee will ensure productivity is maintained at the established level.
  

Chairside Assisting

• Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite 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
  
• Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols
  
• Assists in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistry
  
• Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics,
  
• prosthodontics, implant placement and restoration
  
• Maintains both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standards
  

Dental Imaging

• Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. TMJ, ceph, cone beam) in traditional and/or
  
• digital formats
  
• Modifies settings to achieve the images as requested by the provider
  
• 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
  

Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization

• Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories
  
• Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination
  
• Properly prepares instruments for transfer to SPD for sterilization
  
• Follows all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment
  
• Works closely with SPS to ensure availability of instruments so that clinical care is not delayed
  
• Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images
  

Clerical Functions

• Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments
  
• Initiates computerized progress note
  
• 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 Joint Commission 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
  

Dental Laboratory Functions

• Pours impressions and prepares study models
  
• Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims
  
• Fabricates athletic mouth guards and bleaching trays
  
• Performs other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow
  

Direct Patient Care

• Monitors patient vital signs (BP, pulse, pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and
  
• during recovery period following procedure
  
• Applies topical anesthetic at the injection site
  
• Applies topical fluoride
  
• Makes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication
  
• Removes plaque and soft debris from removable prostheses
  
• Provides patient preventative education and oral hygiene instruction
  
• Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education
  

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Schedule subject to change based on the needs of the Agency.

Compressed/Flexible: Not Available

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 92327-A

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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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 physical examination.
  
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
  

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  
• English Language Proficiency. Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
  
• Experience and/or Education
  

+

Experience. Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work, or provides familiarity with the work. OR,

+

Education. Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on [Dental] Accreditation [(CODA)]. OR

+

Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying.

• Certification. Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation, and is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education, and be certified as radiographers in their field.
  

+ Provisions for Certification of Radiologic Competence

• (a) Successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc.; OR,
  
• (b) 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,
  
• (c) Successful completion of a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the Department of Defense (DoD), II-G36-1 APRIL 19, 2011 VA HANDBOOK 5005/46 PART II APPENDIX G36.
  

+ Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification of radiologic competence may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate dental assistant under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405 (a) (1) (D). Failure to obtain certification during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. This [will result in removal from the GS-681 series and] may result in termination of employment.

+ Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable.

+ Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes DANB as the national certification for Dental Assistants. DANB certification is not required, but highly desirable for the appointment of Dental Assistants up to and including the full performance level, and is required for all positions above the full performance level.

+ Loss of Credential.

An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain licensure/certification/registration within the required time frame, or who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification/registration must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.

Creditable Experience

Knowledge of Current Professional Dental Assistant Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities [(KSAs)], and other characteristics (also referred to as "core competencies") associated with current professional dental assisting practice. Evidence of such experience includes graduation from a certified dental assisting training program, experience in private practice, VHA, Department of Defense (DoD), or other federal[, state, community or charitable] health care agency.

Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable after the training program certifies that the individual has completed all required courses, an internship if it is part of the program, and graduated with passing grades.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met:

GS-3 Grade Determination

Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-4 Grade Determination

Experience or Education. In addition to the basic requirements, 1 year of experience at the next lower level, OR 2 years of education above high school that included completion of a dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation CODA.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSA

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Basic knowledge of infection control and safe instrument handling.
  

• Basic knowledge of dental procedures and medical emergencies.
  

• Ability to perform basic radiographic image capture and processing/retrieval.
  

• Basic knowledge of maintenance, care and storage of dental equipment.
  

• Basic knowledge of patient privacy requirements.
  

GS-5 Grade Determination

Experience or Education. In addition to the requirements listed at GS-4 above, applicants must demonstrate at least 1 year of experience equivalent to at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. OR, (2) Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study that included or was supplemented by completion of a dental assistant program by CODA.

In addition to meeting paragraph (1) or (2) above, the applicant must demonstrate the following KSA'

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.* Knowledge of anatomy and ability to evaluate diagnostic quality.

• Broad knowledge of common medical emergencies and vital signs measurement.
  

• Basic knowledge of instruments, materials and standardized dental procedures.
  

• Ability to learn and utilize software programs used within VHA.
  

• Basic communication skills to provide patient instructions according to established protocol.
  

GS-6 Grade Determination (Full Performance Level)

Experience. At least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the [following] technical KSAs:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Ability to identify normal oral anatomy.
  

• Advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative, surgical, endodontic and periodontal care and procedures.
  

• Ability to monitor and perform basic interpretation of vital signs.
  

• Ability to independently provide procedure-specific patient education and appropriate referral of patient concerns to treating dentist.
  

• Ability to capture standard and special dental images of good diagnostic quality in traditional or digital formats.
  

• Ability to perform maintenance on dental equipment used for routine and specialty dentistry.
  

• Ability to enter and retrieve data utilizing electronic dental records.
  

• Ability to perform dental assistant-appropriate laboratory procedures.
  

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6.

Preferred Experience: Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable.

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/46 PART II APPENDIX G36

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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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.

How you will be evaluated

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You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

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

• Resume
  

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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 (Schedule A)
  
• Disability Letter (VA)
  
• License
  
• Other (1)
  
• Other (2)
  
• Other (3)
  
• Performance Appraisal
  
• Professional Certification
  
• Resume
  
• Separation Notice (RIF)
  
• SF-15
  
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  
• 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.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

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

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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 08/15/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12732964.

• 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.

Agency contact information

Amanda Richmond

Phone

214-857-2293

Email

Amanda.Richmond@va.gov

Address

Northern Indiana HCS

1700 East 38th Street

Marion, IN 46953

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.

Overview

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Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

08/07/2025 to 08/15/2025

Salary

$37,516 to - $68,275 per year

Pay scale & grade

GS 3 - 6

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

Marion, IN

1 vacancy

Remote job

No

Telework eligible

No

Travel Required

Not required

Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

Appointment type

Permanent

Work schedule

Full-time

Service

Competitive

Promotion potential

6

Job family (Series)

• 0681 Dental Assistant
  

Supervisory status

No

Security clearance

Not Required

Drug test

Yes

Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process

• Suitability/Fitness
  
• Credentialing
  

Financial disclosure

No

Bargaining unit status

Yes

Announcement number

CBSR-12732964-25-AAR

Control number

842763700