Job Listing: Dental Assistant

Duty Locations

 3 vacancies - Edwards AFB, CA

The mission of the United States Air Force is to deliver sovereign options for the defense of the United States of America and its global interests -- to fly and fight in Air, Space, and Cyberspace.    

To achieve that mission, the Air Force has a vision of Global Vigilance, Reach and Power. That vision orbits around three core competencies: Developing Airmen, Technology-to-Warfighting and Integrating Operations. Core competencies and distinctive capabilities are based on a shared commitment to three core values -- integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.

SALARY INCLUDES A LOCAL MARKET SUPPLEMENT OF 13.18%

Major Duties

To serve as a dental assistant performing a variety of supportive technical
duties which facilitate the work of oral surgery procedures. Assists dentist in providing treatments to patients, which are complex, difficult, usually lengthy, and non-routine in nature. Prepares patient for surgery. Receives and seats patient and conducts preliminary screening. Sanitizes patient's face and drapes patient with sterile sheets and towels. Obtains, monitors, and records vital signs, and takes and records medical history. Sets up instruments, equipment, and materials such as assembling syringes and IVs for anesthesia, and mixing materials for impressions and restorations. Participates in stand-up dentistry or four-handed sit-down dentistry depending upon the dentist performing the procedure. Adheres to necessary aseptic precautions throughout treatment. Assists dentist with simple and complex procedures such as tooth removal, surgical removal of impacted teeth, alveoloplasty, minor preprosthetic surgery of hard and soft tissues, and excisional biopsies. Passes instruments in anticipation of the dentist's needs for various instruments, materials, and services. Keeps area of operation free of debris using irrigation solutions, suction tip, and evacuator. Applies hemostats to bleeding vessels; bends archbars and applies force to chisel: and cuts sutures. Takes preliminary impressions; pours and trims models from impressions; and constructs base plates and bite runs. Observes patient throughout treatment for signs of syncope, shock, or other reactions to treatment. Provides oral hygiene instruction for care of prosthodontic appliances. Relays dentist's instructions to patients for post-treatment care such as application of hot or cold packs or medications. Instructs/trains lower graded dental assistants on these procedures as necessary. Performs dental radiographic work. Positions the patient and the film and takes intra- and extra-oral radiographs of patients. Exposes the film. Develops, fixes, washes, and dries the film using automatic and manual methods. Cares for the radiographic equipment and materials. Protects the patient and self against over exposure to x-rays by using precautionary measures such as lead aprons, shields, and x-ray badges. Maintains, cleans, and performs minor repairs on radiographic equipment. Prepares processor, maintaining proper temperature for developing and fixing radiographs. Mixes and changes solutions. Cleans and maintains radiographic area and darkroom. Prepares a variety of reports and records related to dental activities. Schedules/cancels appointments for treatment. Records proper documentation of patient information. Obtains and records history of patient in the patient's dental records. Analyzes records to identify possible errors. Prepares the paperwork to route the patient and the patient's records when additional medical/dental tests or services are required outside the dental clinic. Prepares patient consent forms for specialized procedures, e.g., surgery, anesthesia, etc. Prepares prescriptions for signature of dentist. Records information relayed by dentist on prescriptions and other forms for signature of dentist. Charts patient's examination and treatment information released by dentist on the patient treatment record in the patient's dental record. Maintains dental equipment and treatment area. Maintains dental equipment in a clean and operative condition and properly stores and maintains adequate levels of supplies. Inventories, orders, and stocks instruments and materials as needed. Sterilizes instruments, materials, and equipment and prepares sterile trays for a wide variety of surgical procedures. Maintains sterile material, equipment, and instruments, and removes all used drapes and towels from operating area after each patient. Maintains dental treatment room to meet all health and safety and infection control guidelines and standards.
This announcement may be used to fill one or more vacancies.
 
MILITARY SPOUSE PREFERENCE:  Spouses of active duty military members may be eligible for consideration under DEU competitive examining.   To claim DEU military spouse preference you must submit your documentation showing eligibility at the time you apply.  Specific program requirements may be found by at the Air Force Employment Information page, cut and paste this link ino your web browser:  http://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/main_content.asp?prods1=1&prods2=14&prods3=181&prods4=886
 

How to Apply

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

1.      Your responses to the Qualifications Questionnaire, and

2.      Your résumé and any other documents specified in the Required Documents section of this job announcement.

 

Use Application Manager for convenience and quickest processing. Track your progress to a Complete Application Package using the My Application Packages checklist and status displays in Application Manager. Your Application Package status must be Complete by 11:59PM Eastern Time on Wednesday, April 09, 2008.

 

Option A:  Application Manager

To begin, choose one of these options:

·         If your résumé is going to come from the USAJOBS Resume Builder, begin the process by clicking the Apply Online button near the bottom of this page. Your résumé will be attached only to the Application Package you complete and submit immediately after you click the Apply Online button for this job announcement, not to any Application Packages you may already have created.

·         If your résumé is going to be one you prepared outside of USAJOBS Résumé Builder, click this link to begin the process:  Online Questionnaire.

 

If you are faxing any documents, always use the official cover sheet which you may print using this link, :  http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf . The fax number is 478-757-3144

 

To return to Application Manager at any time, use whichever link you used to begin as described above, or simply go to https://ApplicationManager.org. If you are experiencing difficulty accessing Application Manager you may send an email to ApplicationManagerHelpDesk@opm.gov or visit the following web-site http://eshelp.opm.gov/robo/projects/appman001/getting_more_help.htm.

 

 

Option B:  Paper Qualifications Questionnaire

If it is not possible for you to use Application Manager, you can write your answers on paper.  Follow these steps:

1.      Print a copy of this job announcement so you can read the questions offline.

2.      Obtain and print a copy of the OPM Form 1203-FX, which you will use to provide your answers. You can obtain the form at this URL http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf or by calling USAJOBS by Phone at (703) 724-1850; after the introduction, press 1, and listen for instructions.

3.      You may submit the Form 1203-FX, resume, and any supporting documents by fax.

·         By Fax: If you are faxing a Form 1203-FX, do not use a separate cover sheet. Simply make sure the Form 1203-FX is on top of any other documents you are faxing. If you are faxing any documents without the Form 1203-FX on top, always use the official cover sheet which is here -- http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf -- and be sure to fill it out completely and clearly.  The fax number is 1-478-757-3144.  Feed all documents into your fax machine top first so that we receive them right-side up.

Instructions for completing the paper Qualifications Questionnaire: 

If you are applying to this announcement by completing the OPM 1203-FX form instead of using the Online Qualifications Questionnaire method, you will need to print the vacancy announcement and refer to it as you answer the questions. You may omit any optional information; however, you must provide responses to all required questions. Be sure to double check your application before submission.  You are encouraged to complete the Qualifications Questionnaire and submit your documentation using the online method since it is the most efficient way to process your application. The method that we highly recommend is outlined under "OPTION A."  

Social Security Number

Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated.

Your Social Security Number is requested under the authority of Executive Order 9397 to uniquely identify your records from those of other applicants who may have the same name. Failure to provide your Social Security Number on your application materials will result in your application not being processed.

Vacancy Identification Number

The Vacancy Identification Number is: PA183428

1. Title of Job

Dental Assistant

2. Biographic Data

3. E-Mail Address

Applicants will only be notified of their rating electronically. In order to receive your Notice of Rating, you must apply using Option A, Application Manager.  

 

4. Work Information

5. Employment Availability

6. Citizenship

Are you a citizen of the United States?
7. Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

8. Other Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

9. Languages

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

10. Lowest Grade

If not already selected, please indicate your lowest acceptable pay plan, grade level, or pay band:

01
11. Miscellaneous Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

12. Special Knowledge

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

13. Test Location

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

14. Veteran Preference Claim

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

These dates are required if you have claimed Veterans' Preference unless you have claimed derived Preference (i.e., widows, spouse, etc.)

Please use this format: (MM/DD/YYYY)

16. Availability Date

If other than immediate, please indicate the date that you are available to begin working: (MM/DD/YYYY)

17. Service Computation Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

18. Other Date Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

19. Job Preference

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

20. Occupational Specialties

The occupational specialty will be selected for you if there is only one, otherwise, select/enter at least one occupational specialty code for this position.
The specialty code for this position is:

001 Dental Assistant
21. Geographic Availability

The geographic location code will be selected for you if there is only one, otherwise, select/enter at least one geographic location in which you are interested and will accept employment.
The location code for this position is:

1087 Edwards AFB, CA
22. Transition Assistance Plan

23. Job Related Experience

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

24. Personal Background Information

If you would like to claim Military Spouse Preference, please select the appropriate category for your sponsor and your relationship to them. 

001 Sponsor Category: Active duty002 Sponsor Category:DoD Civilian (Hired Outside the local area)003 Sponsor Catefory:DoD Civilian (Hired locally)004 Sponsor Category: Contractor Employed US Citizen005 Sponsor Category: None of the above006 Relationship: Spouse007 Relationship: Child008 Relationship: Self009 Relationship: None of the above

If you selected "None of the Above" for Relationship to Sponsor, please specify your relationship to the sponsor:

If you selected "None of the Above" for Sponsor Category, please specify the appropriate category of your sponsor:

25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:

1. I am certified as a Dental Radiographer(X-ray).

A. Yes
B. No

NOTE: Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic
procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, they
must (l) 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 (2) be certified as
radiographers in their field. The following meet these requirements:
(1)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.
(2)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.

For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Darken the oval corresponding to that statement in Assessment Questionnaire. Please select only one letter for each item.

A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B- I have had education or training in performing the task, but have not yet
performed it on the job.
C- I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored
closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper
procedures.
D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it
independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
E- I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised
performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other
workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.

2. Assist with general dentistry and/or specialty related dental procedures.

3. Review patients dental health record, prepare treatment room for treatment.

4. Receive and prepare the patient for treatment.

5. Measure and record blood pressure, pulse and other vital signs.

6. Adjust dental chair, select and arrange instruments and materials and medicaments for use.

7. Assist dentist in the delivery of dental care utilizing four handed stand up or sit down dentistry techniques.

8. Perform teeth isolation procedures, place and remove rubber dam, assemble, place and remove matrix bands.

9. Retract tissue tongue and cheek maintaining a clear operating field, pass instruments and materials in anticipation of dentists needs.

10. Take impressions and bite registrations.

11. Pour impressions to make stone and plaster models; trim models as necessary.

12. Instruct patients in appropriate oral hygiene instructions.

13. Relay instructions to patients for post-treatment care.

14. Monitor patient during treatment for signs of fainting or loss of consciousness, shock or other distress symptoms.

15. Expose and process intra-oral and extra-oral dental radiographs according with accepted radiation safety standards.

16. Perform digital radiography procedures with related computer supported software.

17. Assemble, retrieve, maintain and review dental health records.

18. Chart / record in dental health record, examination and treatment information as relayed by the dentist.

19. Coordinate, schedule, and confirm patient appointments.

20. Perform dental reception duties to include answering telephone calls and greeting patients.

21. Clean, disinfect, sterilize, and recirculate dental instruments.

22. Maintain dental equipment in a clean and operable condition.

23. Properly store and maintain adequate dental treatment room supply levels.

24. Practice and enforce accepted safety standards.

Required Documents:

For this job announcement the following documents are required:  

Resume
Online Application (Questionnaire)
Proof of Dental Radiographer (X-Ray) Certification
Transcripts, if qualifying on the basis of education 
Veterans Preference Documentation - DD-214 which includes record of service, type of separation, and character of service: or Statement of Service or VA Disability Letter dated 01 January 1992 or later

If you are faxing any documents, always use the official cover sheet which you may print using this link, http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf . The fax number is 478-757-3144.

 

Your resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications can be submitted electronically through the Application Manager.  Electronic submission is the quickest and easiest option. Please ensure that all submitted documents contain your full name, address, phone number and at least your last four digits of your social security number.

If you are unable to submit the documents electronically, you may fax your documents. Please see the "How to Apply" section for more information on fax options. 

COMPLETE APPLICATIONS, INCLUDING ALL ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION, MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59PM EASTERN STANDARD TIME ON THE CLOSING DATE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT, Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Contact Information:
AFPC DEO

Phone: (800)616-3775

Fax: (478)757-3144

TDD: 978-461-8404

Email: recruitment.center@randolph.af.mil


Or write:
AFPC DEO
DO NOT WRITE OR MAIL APPLICATION
SEE INSTRUCTIONS UNDER HOW TO APPLY TAB
PLEASE FAX, TX 78150

Fax: (478)757-3144


What To Expect Next:

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your rating and or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted.