Dental Assistant

Summary

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Dental Assistant

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 2\-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Learn more about this agency

This job is open to

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### The public

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

### Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2\-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. This announcement is open to the public and employees of other federal agencies. Current, permanent VA employees should apply to announcement number CBSY\-12937741\-26\-AA.

Duties

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The VA Midwest Health Care Network 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.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Functions:

a. Customer Service

i. Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co\-workers and the public

ii. Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery

b. Chairside Assisting

i. Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover

ii. Passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently

iii. Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably

iv. Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions

v. Accomplishes all intra\-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols

vi. Assists in routine general dental procedures

vii. Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, and surgical periodontics

c. Dental Imaging

i. Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed

ii. Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized

iii. Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame

d. Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization

i. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories

ii. Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPS standards

iii. Complies with Reusable Medical Equipment requirements

iv. Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care

v. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images

e. Clerical Functions

i. Assists patients in scheduling appointments

ii. Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments

iii. Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records

iv. Performs as time\-keeper, dental supply clerk and local administrative assistant.

f. Information Management

i. Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information

ii. Follows computer security regulations

g. Patient Safety

i. Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position)

ii. Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients

iii. Participates in patient identification and time out per JCAHO requirements

iv. Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress

v. Monitors patient vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, pulse oximeter, pain control) and alerts dental provider if outside of normal limits

h. Employee Education

i. Complies with Employee Education requirements

ii. Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions

i. Dental Laboratory Functions

i. Pours impressions and prepares study models

ii. Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims

iii. Performs other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow

j. Direct Patient Care

i. Remove sutures and removal of periodontal surgical dressing

ii. Impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication

iii. Remove temporary crown/bridge and clean tooth preparation of debris

iv. Recement and fabricate temporary crowns

v. Coronal polishing of teeth

vi. Place rubber dams and matrix bands

vii. Provides post\-operative and other appropriate patient education

Work Schedule: Full\-time; 0730\-1600

Telework: Not available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement \#: 000000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

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.
• 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 dentification 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.

### Qualifications

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.
• Experience and 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). 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.
• English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English.

Grade Determinations:

GS\-3 Dental Assistant

Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements.

GS\-4 Dental Assistant

Experience or Education: In addition to the basic requirements, 1 year of experience at the next lower level, GS\-3, 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).

AND

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

1\. Basic knowledge of infection control and safe instrument handling.

2\. Basic knowledge of dental procedures and \[medical emergencies.

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

4\. Basic knowledge of maintenance, care and storage of dental equipment.

5\. Basic knowledge of patient privacy requirements.

GS\-5 Dental Assistant

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

AND

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The applicant must demonstrate the following KSA's:

1\. Knowledge of anatomy and ability to evaluate diagnostic quality.

2\. Broad knowledge of common medical emergencies and vital signs measurement.

3\. Basic knowledge of instruments, materials and standardized dental procedures.

4\. Ability to learn and utilize software programs used within VHA.

5\. Basic communication skills to provide patient instructions according to established protocol.

GS\-6 Staff Dental Assistant (Full Performance Level)

Experience: At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS\-5, that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level.

AND

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs:

1\. Ability to identify normal oral anatomy.

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

3\. Ability to monitor and perform basic interpretation of vital signs.

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

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

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

7\. Ability to enter and retrieve data utilizing electronic dental records.

8\. Ability to perform dental assistant\-appropriate laboratory procedures

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

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\.

You will be asked to participate in a pre\-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre\-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

### 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 for 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.

During the application process you may have an option to opt\-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

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.

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.

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

Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp\-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one\-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two\-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.

Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.

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 (VA)
• Other (1\)
• Certification of Radiologic Competence
• Recommended: Write to Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) \- See "Qualifications" section of announcement
• Professional Certification
• Proof of Marriage Status
• Resume
• 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 other current permanent Federal 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 04/27/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12937742\.

• 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

Adam Abbott

Phone

612\-629\-7067

Email

Adam.Abbott@va.gov

Address

VA Black Hills Health Care System

113 Comanche Road

Fort Meade, SD 57741

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

04/15/2026 to 04/27/2026

Salary

$36,464 \- $59,031 per year

Pay scale \& grade

GS 3 \- 6

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

Fort Meade, SD

1 vacancy

Remote job

No

Telework eligible

No

Travel Required

25% or less \- You may be expected to travel for this position.

Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

Appointment type

Permanent

Work schedule

Full\-time

Service

Excepted

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

• Credentialing
• Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure

No

Bargaining unit status

Yes

Announcement number

CBSY\-12937742\-26\-AA

Control number

865360100