**This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. We accept applications for this occupation on an ongoing basis; qualified applicants will be considered as vacancies become available. Applicants will be referred to selecting official on a continual basis until all vacancies are filled OR until the closing date of this announcement. Applicants need not re-apply once the application is referred to the selecting official.** A RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE IS AUTHORIZED FOR THIS VACANCY AND MAY BE OFFERED TO TO HIGHLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATE. This position is located in the Dental Department of Clinical Support Services in the VA Northern Indiana Healthcare Center in Fort Wayne and Marion Indiana. The VA Northern Indiana's Dental Assistant will be responsible and accountable for providing comprehensive oral health care within the established guidelines of an Dental Assistant. The incumbent serves at the above full performance level with the ability to perform full range of duties with some independence in assigned specialties, with indirect supervision from the lead dental assistant, dental assistant supervisor or treating dentist. Assignments at this level include, but are not limited to: Assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Passes instruments safety, accurately, and efficiently. Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably. Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions. Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols. Assists in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistry. Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant placement and restoration. Maintains both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standards. Exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. TMJ, ceph, conde beam) in traditional and/or digital formats. Modifies settings to achieve the images as requested by the provider. Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed. Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized. Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting-up and cleaning operatories. Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination. Properly prepares instruments for transfer to SPD for sterilization. Follows all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment. Works closely with SPS to ensure availability of instruments so that clinical care is not delayed. Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images. Assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments. Initiates computerized progress notes. Assists dentist in charting finding and treatment plans in patient records. Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress. Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims. Monitors patient vital signs (BP, pulse, pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedure. Applies topical anesthetic at the injection site. Applies topical fluoride. Makes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication. Removes plaque and soft debris from removable prostheses. Provides patient preventative education and oral hygiene instruction. Work Schedule: The tour of duty for this position is typically, Monday-Friday, 07:30am to 4:00pm. (Schedule may change based on the needs of the service). Additional information may be provided during interview process. Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement/FS #: Dental Assistant/#91321-A Service Line: Dental Service Recruitment Incentives: **RECRUITMENT/ INCENTIVES MAY BE AUTHORIZED FOR HIGHLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES** Selectee will be required to sign a service agreement for a specified period of service with the Department of Veterans Affairs. PCS/Relocation Allowances: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Drug Testing: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a drug 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 the VA. In addition, any offer of employment will be rescinded with a verified positive drug test. VA employees in drug testing designated positions are also subject to post appointment random drug testing. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.