The Dental Assistant positions are located within the Great Plains Area Indian Health Service, there may not be immediate vacancies at all duty locations. The primary function of these positions is to perform the broad range of preventive and clinical dental assisting functions. This Open Continuous Announcement (OCA) allows acceptance of applications throughout the year, with eligible applicants being placed on the OCA register and referred for consideration when vacancies occur.

Duties

Performs chair side assistant duties in all phases of restorative, prosthodontic, surgical, endodontic, and periodontal treatment as provided in general dentistry. Prepares operatives for patient care and prepares patients for treatment. Educates patients in brushing and flossing techniques, care of prosthodontics appliances, and common causes of tooth decay. Provides post-treatment instructions to patient as outlined by dentist. Provides routine maintenance on dental equipment and instruments. Cleans, disinfects, and sterilizes instruments, equipment and surfaces. Prepares sterile trays, packs, sutures, etc. Properly stores and maintains adequate supplies for the dental department. Utilizes computerized dental patient records systems for scheduling, dental record charting and making/completing dental progress notes while complying with medical release and privacy requirements.

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying. 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; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. BASIC REQUIREMENT(S): Dental Assistant Series 0681 (opm.gov)In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: GS-02: 3-months of general experience that demonstrates my ability to perform the duties of this position; or I have experience as a trainee, performing a variety of record-keeping and clinic maintenance duties. GS-03: I have at least 6 months of general experience that demonstrates my ability to perform the duties of this position. GS-04: I have at least 6 months of general experience AND 6 months of specialized experience. Specialized experience include: Clean, polish and oil equipment. Clean and sharpen instruments; sterilize instruments using autoclave and dryclave techniques. Prepare sterile trays, packs, sutures, etc. Schedule and route patients for services as required. Requisitions work from dental laboratory. Receive and prepare patients for treatment such as routine restoration. GS-05: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-4 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Record information related to medical history of patient; when required route patient for medical tests and services. Chart examination and treatment information as relayed by dentist on patient records. Record information as directed by dentist on prescriptions and a variety of forms related to dental care. Prepare, arrange all instruments and materials needed for each treatment. GS-06: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: maintain supply levels and cleanliness of dental station; sterilize instruments, materials, equipment. Assist patient in completing medical history statements. Record examination and treatment information as relayed by dentist. Instruct patient in preventive dental care; demonstrate brushing and flossing techniques and use of disclosing tablets; explain the common cause of decay and its relationship to general diet. Time In Grade (Merit Promotion Candidates Only) Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP). You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Education

There are no education requirements.

Contacts

• Address Great Plains Area 115 4th Avenue Southeast Aberdeen, SD 57401 US
• Name: Joseph Dudley
• Phone: 605-226-7203
• Email: [email protected]