Dental Assistant

The Dental Assistant includes the performance of specific duties in order to facilitate the work of the dentist and other dental assistants. Recordkeeping, chairside assistance, radiographic and clinic maintenance comprise a significant segment of dental services. Primarily dental radiography, intra-oral procedures, chairside assistance and other clinical support duties, as well as facilitating the work of dentists.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Dental Assistants at the GS-6 level fulfill all the functions of a lower wage/grade level Dental Assistant, but also have experience working as an assistant to a dental specialist or in a hospital environment. The Dental Assistant is responsible for performing the duties that a dental assistant would be required to perform in a hospital-based dental clinic. The VA St. Louis Health Care System offers a full complement of health care services to eligible veterans. Major Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: Preparing for treatment Gathering patients records prior to procedure Laying out necessary instruments, medications and materials in proper arrangement Seating and draping patient Explaining treatment procedures to the patient Mixing materials for impressions and restorations Assembling syringes for anesthesia Obtain and record the patient's vitals (blood pressure, temperature, etc) May participate in stand-up dentistry or four-handed sit-down dentistry Anticipate the dentist's need at each stage of the treatment procedure Pass instruments, medications, materials while using proper techniques and dexterity Retracting tissue, keeping operation area clear, clipping sutures in oral surgery Observe patient throughout treatment for signs of shock, distress, fainting effective communication and influence with patients during treatment episodes Work Schedule: Monday - Friday | 7:00 am - 3:30 pm CST Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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/.