Dental Assistant

Quick Facts

• Role: Dental Assistant

• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00am–4:30pm (compressed/flexible availability)

Description

Set up operatory/surgery areas for dental procedures, clean and prepare dental units for turnover, and assist clinicians using advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures. Support routine and specialized dentistry by assisting in four-handed procedures, taking impressions, performing required radiography-related tasks, and providing patient education before and after care.

Responsibilities

• Assist in routine general dental procedures using four-handed dentistry
• Pass instruments safely and efficiently; keep the operative field clear and retract oral tissues comfortably
• Prepare dental medicaments and impression materials according to manufacturer instructions
• Follow infection control protocols during procedures
• Monitor and perform basic interpretation of patient vital signs (BP, pulse, pulse oximeter) during treatment and recovery
• Apply topical anesthetic at the injection site
• Take impressions for diagnostic/prosthetic needs, pour impressions, and prepare study models; make denture impression trays and bite rims
• Remove plaque and soft debris from removable prostheses
• Provide procedure-specific preventative education and oral hygiene instructions, plus post-operative education
• Assist in specialized dental procedures (oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant placement/restoration)
• Fabricate athletic mouth guards and bleaching trays; perform additional dental laboratory functions as needed

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Ability to qualify via one option: 6 months relevant experience OR successful completion of a 1-year CODA-accredited dental assistant program OR equivalent combination of experience and education
• Meet radiologic credentialing/competence requirements: approved education and certification for dental radiation health and safety (or approved temporary graduate pathway)
• Pass background/security investigation and pre-employment physical evaluation
• Complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification; comply with required influenza vaccination program
• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Complete all application-required documents
• Subject to a 1–2 year trial period as a condition of employment

Benefits

• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year (annual leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays)
• Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave after 12 months of employment
• Child care subsidy eligibility after 60 days (limits and income criteria apply)
• Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K (up to 5% contributions)
• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care insurance options