Career Center

The Dental Assistant assists the Dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. The position is in the Dental Service at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane, Washington. Dental Assistants can be in a developmental level, GS-3 through GS-5, up to the full performance level GS-6. Dental Assistants at the full performance level serve as staff dental assistants for routine patient care and perform more complex patient procedures under the general supervision of more experienced dental assistants or dental supervisor. It is expected that a GS-6 level assistant performs more complex procedures while receiving less frequent supervision. Patient Care Duties and Responsibilities: Possess professional customer service skills; always show courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co­workers and the public. Assist customers with questions or concerns and provide service recovery. Set up operatory for planned dental procedures and clean dental unit for timely turnover. Pass instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Keep operative field clear of debris and retract oral tissues effectively and comfortably. Prepare dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions. Complete all intra­operative procedures within standard infection control protocols. Assist in routine general dental procedures. Assist in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, and prosthodontics. Must be proficient in dental imaging. Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed. Utilize dental imaging safety techniques and approved practices so retakes are minimized. Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame. At all times demonstrate proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories. Properly prepare instruments for sterilization by SPD standards and in a manner that does not delay clinical care. Assist patients in scheduling appointments and filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments. Assist dentist in charting findings, treatment plans, and treatment in patient records (including the use of CPRS, Dental Record Manager, and VistA). Knowledgeable in information management, patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information, and maintain computer security regulations. Skilled in patient safety techniques to modify care as required by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position) and can provide accurate and understandable instructions to patients. Monitor patient's condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. Complete all employee education requirements and mandatory annual safety training sessions. Maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) Qualification. Proficient in dental laboratory functions (pours impressions and prepares study models, makes final denture impression trays, and prepares bite rims). Prepare cases for the dental laboratory and ensure timely retrieval of completed cases from the laboratory. Perform other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow. Remove sutures and impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication. Remove temporary crown/bridge and clean tooth preparation of debris. Re-cement and fabricate temporary crowns. Monitor vital signs and administer oxygen (in emergencies and routinely via transfer from patient's oxygen tank to the same liter flow on operatory oxygen and returns to patient's oxygen after treatment). Apply fluoride products, topical anesthetics, medications, and medicaments as ordered by dentist. Administer pre-procedural mouth rinses, as ordered by dentist. Perform coronal polishing of teeth. Place rubber dams and matrix band. Provide post-operative and other appropriate patient education. Telephonically addresses patient care issues and document for review by the dentist. Perform other permissible direct patient care issues as time and skill levels allow. Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8:00am - 4:30pm. Telework: No. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.