The purpose of this position is to serve as a Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant, above full performance level, assigned to the Dental Outpatient Clinic performing a wide range of direct and indirect patient care duties in both the Operating Room (OR) and the OMFS suites. Incumbent must be able to perform effectively in both areas with a high level of skill.
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The OMFS Dental Assistant is responsible for seating patients in treatment area and performing chair side assistance which consist of the following: setting up operatory for planned dental procedure, cleans dental unit for timely turnover, passes. instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably.
Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions, accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols. The OMFS Dental Assistant assists in routine general dental procedures and in specialized dental procedures, such as oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontic, periodontics, dental implant surgery, and prosthodontics.
Performs dental imaging which consists of taking digital and/or conventional radiographs of in-patients and outpatients according to prescription, including periapical, bitewing, occlusal, panoramic, cephalometric, and temporomandibular joint tomographs. Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed.
Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized, therefore, imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame. Responsible for Infection Control by demonstrating proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories as well as safety procedures in exposing images. Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards and in a manner that does not delay clinical care.
Maintains patient confidentiality per Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) with written and verbal information and follows computer security regulations. Incumbent observes and complies with all established safety practices. Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities and provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients.
Participates in patient identification and time out per The Joint Commission requirements, assures Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are updated and monitors patient condition during treatment being alert for signs of physical distress. Responsible for reporting any work-related injuries, illnesses, and diseases immediately to your supervisor.
Ensures that working conditions and work practices within the worksite are such that the possibilities of on-the-job injuries are minimized. Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education under the direction and supervision of Dentist a d helps with the patient preparation, monitoring and necessary paperwork, before, during and after Moderate Sedation Process.
Informs the patient about the nature of the procedure, how long it will take the risks, benefits and possible alternatives. The OMFS assistant is the first member of the surgical team in the suite; therefore, the incumbent must have knowledge and skills to prepare and be proficient in all types of complex OMFS procedures.
Assists surgeons while patient is under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia in procedures which include facial trauma, pre-prosthetic or reconstructive surgery, and orthognatic surgery. Is able to assist in basic and advanced cardiac life support when required. When assisting in the OR, performs the duties of scrub nurse.
Prepares and drapes the patient, passes the instruments, suctions and irrigates the field, retracts the tissues, cuts sutures and applies force to chisels, anticipates the surgeon's needs at each stage of operation. At the end of the operation, he/she applies surgical dressing, packages and sends tissues to pathology laboratory. Removes contaminated instruments, scrubs, and prepares the surgical tray for the next case on the schedule.
Work Schedule: M-F 7:30-16:00 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 55521-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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/. NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
NOTE: If your school was accredited by CODA at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the CODA website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.
Amber.McKinley@va.gov · 682-532-0469
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $54857 – $71315/yr.
This position requires a Other security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-10-06.
This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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