Dental Assistant- Expanded Function

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave 13 days of sick leave 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth adoption or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment full time employees with a total family income below $144000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

A Lead Dental Assistant with expanded functions is both a clinical leader and a multi-skilled operator capable of advanced procedures team leadership and administrative oversight. The exact scope depends on state regulations and individual certification but the role blends hands-on patient care with operational management to improve efficiency and quality in dental practices

Other duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Guide and train junior dental assistants on clinical procedures patient management and administrative tasks
• Assist dentists during a wide range of treatments including preparing instruments ensuring patient comfort and maintaining a sterile environment
• Perform advanced procedures permitted by state law such as: Applying sealants coronal polishing topical anesthetic or fluoride Placing/finishing fillings preparing composite resin or dental cement
• Taking and processing dental X-rays
• Administering local anesthesia under dentist supervision
• Manage inventory of dental supplies and equipment placing orders and verifying receipt
• Coordinate patient scheduling and appointment bookings to optimize dentist time
• Maintain accurate confidential patient records and treatment plans
• Process billing and payments and handle front-desk tasks
• Educate patients on oral hygiene post-operative care and preventive measures
• Ensure compliance with dental office policies infection control protocols and regulatory standards
• May be responsible for more complex procedures and independent chairside support compared to standard dental assistants
• Technical proficiency in dental procedures and infection control
• Leadership and mentoring abilities for junior staff

• 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 ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• 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.

• 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.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements: All applicants must meet the following basic qualifications:

1) United States Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen (Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy).
2) Education and Experience:

• Experience. Six months experience that demonstrates the applicants ability to perform the work or provides familiarity with the work.

• Education. Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Associations Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

• Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying.

• Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially you 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 your field.
  • Provisions for Certification of Radiologic Competence:
    • Successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board Inc.; OR
    • 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
    • Successful completion of a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the Department of Defense (DoD).

• The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes DANB as the national certification for Dental Assistants. DANB certification it is required for all positions above the full performance level.

• (a) Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant 1. Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level or equivalent that demonstrates the core competencies described at that addition the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: