Dental Assistant

**Duties**:

- Perform inter-oral procedures as directed by dentist.
- Take preliminary impressions for study models.
- Remove sutures, place and remove rubber dams, perio-packs, matrix bands, and wedges.
- Relay dentist's instructions to patient for post-treatment care.
- Instruct patient in proper dental techniques, care of appliances, and causes of dental decay.
- Operate dental X-ray equipment to take intra and extra-oral radiographs.
- Maintain, clean, and perform minor repairs on X-ray equipment and materials.

**Requirements**:
**Conditions of Employment**:

- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
- You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
- One year trial/probationary period may be required.
- Applicants must comply with the Exceptional Family Member Program requirements as outlined in the DoD Instruction 1315.19.
- This position has specific initial background investigation and periodic re-verification requirements since its duties require interaction with children and youth under the age of eighteen (18) years of age on a recurring basis.
- Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position.
- All Health Care Providers must be able to obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) training and certification that is sponsored or endorsed by the American Heart Association (AHA).
- A pre-placement medical examination is required.

**Qualifications**:
**Who May Apply**:
**US Citizens**

**Basic Requirement - Radiology Certification**:
Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75.The following meet these requirements:
**(1)** Persons who meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Successful completion of 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 are certified as a radiographer in their field.
**(2)** Persons employed by the Federal Government as radiologic personnel prior to the effective date of the regulation (January 13, 1986) who show evidence of current or fully satisfactory performance or certification of such from a licensed practitioner such as a doctor of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, podiatry, or chiropractic who prescribes radiologic procedures to others.
**(3)** Persons first employed by the Federal Government as radiologic personnel after the effective date of the regulation who (a) received training from institutions in a State or foreign jurisdiction that did not accredit training in that particular field at the time of graduation, or (b) practiced in a State or foreign jurisdiction that did not license that particular field or did not allow special eligibility to take a licensure examination for those who did not graduate from an accredited educational program, provided such persons show evidence of training, experience, and competence, as determined by OPM or the employing agency.
**(4)** Persons that have successfully completed an educational program that included curriculum in dental radiography, but the program does not meetOR persons are unsure if it meets the credentialing standards of 42 CFR Part 75.
**NOTE**: To meet this requirement, you will be asked to complete the alternate radiology certification form. If it is determined that your educational program does not meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, you will be required to complete an alternative certification program, such as the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) or Introduction to Basic Concepts in Dental Radiology administered by the American Dental Assistant Association.

**Any fee for the alternative certification program will be the financial responsibility of the applicant and must be completed prior to an established appointment effective date.**

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
**Specialized Experience**:One year of specialized experience which includes receiving and scheduling patients for treatment; charting examination and treatment information; maintaining dental equipment; operating dental x-ray equipment to take intra and extra oral radiographs; pour and trim models from impressions; and assisting a dentist chair-side.

**This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-04).**

**OR**
***
**Education**: Successful completion of a full four-year course of study in a dental assistant or dental hygiene program that included at le