<p>The Samuel S Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, NY is recruiting for a Dental Assistant to provide support to the Surgical Services Dental Clinic. The incumbent performs duties necessary to assist the dentists in many aspects of direct patient care and perform other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. This includes a wide range of intra-oral dental procedures and provides chairside assistance in the clinic setting with an emphasis on fourhanded dentistry.</p> <p>This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT & will remain open until May 29, 2026 or until positions are filled.</p> <p>Duties include but are not limited to: Chairside Assisting</p> <ul> <li>Measures, records and monitors patient vital signs as requested by provider. </li><li>Ability to identify normal oral anatomy </li><li>Performs reversible intra-oral procedures associated with various phases of restorative, prosthodontic, periodontal, endodontic and surgery procedures Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. </li><li>Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably. Prepares dental medications and impression materials per manufacturers' instructions. </li></ul> <p>Dental Imaging</p> <ul> <li>Records dental images using x-ray equipment. </li><li>Captures both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e., Cone beam) in traditional or digital format. Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed. </li><li>Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized and retakes are minimized. Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame. </li><li>Demonstrated proper infection control procedures in exposing images. </li></ul> <p>Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization</p> <ul> <li>Maintains dental equipment in a clean and operative condition per manufacturer and Dental Service standards. </li><li>Supports and follows all infectious disease policies. </li><li>Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories. </li><li>Debrides and decontaminates instruments, materials and equipment following proper infection control procedures. </li></ul> <p>Clerical Functions</p> <ul> <li>Assists patients in scheduling appointments and accurately informing administrative staff of given appointments. </li><li>Assist in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments. </li><li>Records information related to the medical and dental history as relayed by the dentist or patient. </li><li>Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient electronic medical records. </li></ul> <p>Information Management</p> <ul> <li>Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information. </li><li>Follows computer security regulations. </li></ul> <p>Direct Patient Care</p> <ul> <li>Capture pre-treatment patient vital signs and monitor condition during treatment and recovery applications of topical anesthetics and topical fluorides. </li><li>Takes impressions for diagnostics casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication. </li><li>Cleans removable prosthesis removing stain and soft debris. </li><li>Provides patient preventative educations and oral hygiene instruction. Provides post-operative instructions and other appropriate patient education. </li></ul> <p>Patient Safety</p> <ul> <li>Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position). Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients. </li><li>Participates in patient identification and time out per JCAHO requirements. </li><li>Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. </li><li>Provides procedure specific patient education and refers patient concerns to treating dentist. </li></ul> <p>Employee Education</p> <ul> <li>Complies with Employee Education requirements. </li><li>Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions. </li></ul> <p>Dental Laboratory Functions</p> <ul> <li>Pours impressions and prepares study casts. </li><li>Performs other simple laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow, including fabrication of templates and custom trays. </li></ul> <p>Perform all other duties assigned by the Chief of Dental Services, Supervisory Dental Assistant or Lead Dental Assistant.</p> <p>Work Schedule: Full-Time; Monday - Friday; 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM</p> <p>Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized</p> <p>Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required</p> <p>Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).</p> <p>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)</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 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.</p> <p>Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA</p> <p>Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)</p> <p>Telework: Not Available</p> <p>Virtual: This is not a virtual position.</p> <p>Functional Statement #: 21W37-A</p> <p>Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized</p>