Dental Assistant

Summary About the Position: This position is with the Defense Health Agency (DHA), located at Fort Eisenhower, Augusta, GA. This position serves as the primary assistant to an oral surgeon. Applicant can expect to work in a fast paced setting that offers opportunity to improve dental assisting skills, and learn new techniques from a board certified Oral Surgeon. Duty hours are from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30p.m., Monday-Friday This is a Direct Hire Solicitation Duties Perform intra-oral procedures as directed by dentist. Operate dental X-ray equipment. Receive and schedule patients for treatment. Chart examination and treatment information as relayed by dentist to patient record. Take preliminary dental impressions. Pour and trim study models from impressions. Responsible for maintenance and equipment in surgical section of the dental laboratory. Process laboratory examination specimen and routes to pathology laboratory. Prepare and arrange all instruments and materials needed for each treatment. Monitor patients under general anesthesia or sedation throughout surgery. Aid in the training of trainee dental assistants and students. Prepare patients for surgery. Anticipate surgeons actions and need to take all necessary measures. Pass and use materials in precise order and detailed fashion to avoid cross-contamination. Requirements Conditions of employment Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. A Personnel Security Investigation is required. This position is subject to a pre-employment drug screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident. All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position. Lifting up to 20 pounds may be required. This position requires that you obtain and maintain a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from, or in accordance with, the American Heart Association and American Red Cross. Advanced certification (e.g., ALS) does not supersede BLS. This position has mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination requirements and is subject to annual seasonal influenza vaccinations unless otherwise exempted for medical or religious reasons (documentation of exemption must be provided upon hire) This position requires the employee to wear a uniform, scrubs, or other appropriate medical professional attire while on duty. Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position. This position requires the incumbent to have tuberculosis testing. Qualifications Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Basic Requirement for Dental Assistant: Radiology Certification: Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, they must (1) 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 (2) be certified as radiographers in their field. The following meet these requirements: (1) Persons employed by the Federal Government as radiologic personnel prior to the effective date of the regulation (January 13, 1986) who show evidence of current or fully satisfactory performance or certification of such from a licensed practitioner such as a doctor of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, podiatry, or chiropractic who prescribes radiologic procedures to others. 2) Persons first employed by the Federal Government as radiologic personnel after the effective date of the regulation who (a) received training from institutions in a State or foreign jurisdiction that did not accredit training in that particular field at the time of graduation, or (b) practiced in a State or foreign jurisdiction that did not license that particular field or did not allow special eligibility to take a licensure examination for those who did not graduate from an accredited educational program, provided such persons show evidence of training, experience, and competence, as determined by OPM or the employing agency. Note: You must attach proof of completing the Radiologic requirement with your application package. Proof may include school transcripts, course completion certificates, certification, etc. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: assisting with oral surgery procedures using local and/or IV sedation; providing pre- or post op treatment services to patients; preparing and maintaining supplies and equipment for surgical procedures; experience in digital x-rays; taking impressions. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05). Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted. Education Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted. Additional information Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. One year trial/probationary period may be required. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement 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 Review our benefits