Dental Assistant Job in Iron Mountain, MI

Vacancy No. IM-12756501-25-KME Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $35,664.00 to $72,132.00 Grade 3 to 6
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/30/2025 Close Date 7/7/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Iron Mountain, MI


Summary

Dental Assistant provides assistance to dentists and dental hygienists. The dental assistant is an integral member of the dental treatment team and assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical, dental laboratory and administrative/clerical functions independently of direct supervision at Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, MI.

Duties

General Dentistry. The practice of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, injuries, and malformations of the teeth, jaws, and human oral cavity and its adjacent tissues and structures. It involves the routine restoration of teeth with dental filling materials such as amalgam or composite as well as the provision of preventive services. It may also include the completion of treatment interventions that are coded in dental specialty disciplines.

Patient Care Duties:

  • Compliant with patient identification requirements.
  • Compliant with meeting their role in the Medication Reconciliation Process.
  • Compliant with meeting their role in the Time-Out process.
  • Compliant with meeting their role in the IMED consent process.
  • Compliant with infection control protocols in all aspects of the care process.
  • Follows standard operating procedures for all reusable medical equipment (RME) in use in the dental clinical area.
  • Keeps patients informed of clinic delays. Directly communicates with patients when treatment will not commence within 20-minutes of the patient's scheduled appointment time. Provides patient with an anticipated time that the patient will be seen, asks the patient if that time is acceptable or if the patient desires to reschedule.
  • Charts findings and treatment plans in Dental Record Manager.
  • Completes electronic return to clinic orders using the Computerized Patient Record System.
  • Captures and saves quality intra and extra-oral digital images.
  • Demonstrates a working knowledge of dental eligibility and the scope of care that may be provided based on the patient's dental classification.
  • Has knowledge of and skill in detecting signs of syncope, shock or other side reactions to dental treatment and observes the patient throughout treatment for signs of fainting, shock or other distress.
  • Has knowledge of the specialized instruments, materials, procedures and techniques used in the full array of treatments provided in both general and specialized dentistry disciplines.
  • Prepares the operatory with all needed equipment, materials and supplies for planned dental procedure(s) prior to seating the patient. 15) Obtains and records the patient's vital signs in the electronic medical record.
  • Anticipates the dentist's need at each stage of the treatment procedure and makes instrumentation and/or materials readily available. 17) Employs proper techniques and dexterity in the practice of four-handed dentistry.
  • Keeps the operative field clear of debris and improves access by effectively retracting the tongue and/or oral tissues.
  • Places rubber dam and matrix bands.
  • Prepares dental materials including dental impression materials per manufacturer's instructions.
  • Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures in compliance with standard infection control protocols.
  • Removes sutures and post-extraction dressings.
  • Removes periodontal dressings.
  • Takes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions used to fabricate custom trays.
  • Removes crown/bridge temporaries and cleans the prepared tooth of debris.
  • Fabricates temporary acrylic, stainless steel and polycarbonate crowns.
  • Places temporary restorations.
  • Accomplishes coronal polishing of teeth.
  • Applies desensitizing agents, tissue conditioners and other topical agents prescribed by dentist to specified areas of the oral cavity. 30) Provides patient post-operative education.
  • Instructs patients in preventive dental care practices, care of prosthodontic appliances and other oral healthcare education.
  • Performs routine maintenance of equipment components such as suction traps and water lines.
  • Tests unit water quality as scheduled.
Administrative/Clerical Duties as deemed necessary:
  • Prints Open Encounters Report daily and distributes to providers.
  • Prints Consult Report daily and addresses pending or unscheduled consults.
  • Prints Imaging Consult Report Daily and distributes to providers.
  • Prints daily schedule for each provider.
  • Dispositions patients at the time that the patient presents for scheduling or calls to cancel and/or reschedule their appointment.
  • Schedules patients within 14 days of the desired date.
  • Accurately updates patient demographic data.
  • Provides timely Dental Telephone Care/Triage and appropriately dispositions patients to a dentist when warranted.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Full-time; Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 4:00 pm
Compressed/Flexible:Not Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • 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.
  • You may be required to serve a trial period.
  • 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification 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).

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:
Citizenship: Citizen of the United States.
English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
Experience and Education: Must have one of the following experience: Six months experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work, or provides familiarity with the work.
OR
Education: Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
OR
Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying.

CERTIFICATION: Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, they 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 their field.

Provisions for Certification of Radiologic Competence:
1) Successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. Or,
2 ) 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,
3) Successful completion of a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the Department of Defense (DoD). Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes DANB as the national certification for Dental Assistants. DANB certification is not required, but highly desirable for the appointment of Dental Assistants up to and including the full performance level, and is required for all positions above the full performance level.

Grade Determinations:

GS-3: Basic Requirements. There is no experience or Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required for the GS-3 or entry level.

GS-4: In addition to the basic requirements, 1 year of experience at the next lower level, OR 2 years of education above high school that included completion of a dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Basic knowledge of infection control and safe instrument handling.
2. Basic knowledge of dental procedures and medical emergencies.
3. Ability to perform basic radiographic image capture and processing/retrieval.
4. Basic knowledge of maintenance, care and storage of dental equipment.
5. Basic knowledge of patient privacy requirements.

GS-5: In addition to the requirements listed at GS-4 above, applicants must demonstrate at least 1 year of experience equivalent to at the next lower grade level (GS-4) that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. OR (2) Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study that included or was supplemented by completion of a dental assistant program by CODA. In addition to meeting (1) or (2) above, the applicant must demonstrate the following KSAs

1. Knowledge of anatomy and [ability to evaluate diagnostic quality.
2. Broad knowledge of common medical emergencies and vital signs measurement.
3. Basic knowledge of instruments, materials and standardized dental procedures.
4. Ability to learn and utilize software programs used within VHA.
5. Basic communication skills to provide patient instructions according to established protocol.

GS-6 : Must have at least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-5 that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. Assignments at this level include but are not limited to: responds to basic medical emergencies; measures and records vital signs; provides pre- and post-operative instructions; maintains a field of operation during dental procedures through the use of retraction, suction, irrigation, drying, placing and removing cotton rolls; using the concepts of four-handed dentistry, assists with basic restorative procedures; mixes basic dental materials; assists in preparation of laboratory prescription forms; applies pressure indicator paste to removable prostheses; exposes and processes basic dental radiographs; mounts and labels dental radiographs and/or saves digital imaging to electronic medical records; evaluates radiographs for diagnostic quality; maintains routine dental equipment per manufacturer and dental service standards.

1. Ability to identify normal oral anatomy.
2. Advanced knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of restorative, surgical, endodontic and periodontal care and procedures.
3. Ability to monitor and perform basic interpretation of vital signs.
4. Ability to independently provide procedure specific patient education and appropriate referral of patient concerns to treating dentist.
5.Ability to capture standard and special dental images of good diagnostic quality in traditional or digital formats
6. Ability to perform maintenance on dental equipment used for routine and specialty dentistry.
7. Ability to enter and retrieve data utilizing electronic dental records.8) Ability to perform dental assistant appropriate laboratory procedures. Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6.

Physical Requirements: Long periods of standing and walking are required as well as considerable bending and stooping. The Dental Assistant must assist patients from wheelchair's. Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously.

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/.

Additional information

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Benefits

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Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume


The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • Other (1)
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Transcript


Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/07/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12756501.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Agency contact information

Kevin Estrada
Address
Oscar G Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility
325 East H Street
Iron Mountain, MI 49801
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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