SUMMARY

This position is expected to perform a full range of duties with some independence in assigned specialties, with indirect supervision from the Lead Dental Assistant, Supervisor or treating Dentist.

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.
• Education and/or Experience:
• 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).
• 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:
• 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).

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).

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/.

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.

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.

DUTIES

As a Dental Assistant, you will:

• Show courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public.
• Provide assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery.
• Set up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover.
• Passe instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently.
• Keep operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably for patients.
• Prepare 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.
• Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory.
• Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPS standards.
• Instruments are prepared in manner that does not delay clinical care.
• Demonstrate proper infection control procedures in exposing images.
• Assist patients in scheduling appointments.
• Assist in filling gaps in the doctor’s schedule due to late cancellation and failed appointments.
• Assist dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records.
• Maintain patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information.
• Follow computer security regulations.
• Modify care as necessitated by patient’s age and abilities (patient transfer and position).
• Provide accurate and understandable instructions to patients.
• Participate in patient identification and time out per Joint Commissions requirements.
• Monitor patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress.
• Comply with Employee Education requirements.
• Complete mandatory annual safety training sessions.
• Pour impressions and prepares study model.
• Select and manipulate a variety of gypsums and waxes.
• Make final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims.
• Fabricate custom trays.
• Assist with specialty procedures including oral surgery, periodontal therapy, endodontic, prosthodontic, and implant placement and restoration.
• Anticipate surgeons/specialists needs at each stage of treatment.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:30am to 4pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 08338-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcrip

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 09/08/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12791179.

• 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