GS-0681

Dental Assistant

Positions involving dental support work including patient care, instrument preparation, and clinic operations.

📊Administrative📈one-grade📁0600

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Qualification Requirements

Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0681

Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Technical and Medical Support Positions

Individual Occupational Requirements for GS-0681:

Radiologic Procedures Credentialing: All personnel administering radiologic procedures must meet 42 CFR Part 75 standards, requiring completion of an accredited educational program and certification as radiographers. Federal employees hired before January 13, 1986 may demonstrate competence through current performance or certification from a licensed practitioner.

Specialized Experience (GS-4 and above): Applicants must possess experience in:

Dental assistance to general or specialized dentistry
Dental assistant (expanded function) work
Or any combination of these appropriate to the position

Education and Training Requirements:

GS-3: Successful completion of either: A 1-year dental assistant program or completion of 1 year of a dental hygiene program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Accreditation with specified radiation and radiographic coursework; OR practical nurse training approved by state/territorial accrediting body
GS-4: Completion of a 2-year dental assistant program or completion of a 2-year dental hygiene program with at least 12 semester hours in relevant radiation and radiographic courses
GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in a dental assistant or dental hygiene program with minimum 24 semester hours in required coursework

Special Requirements for GS-5+ Expanded Function Positions: Applicants must complete 1 year of acceptable course work, preceptorship, or other formal training and/or work assignments in intra-oral procedures, including:

ADA-accredited dental program courses in expanded functions
U.S. Army Dental Therapy Assistant Training Program
IHS continuing education in expanded functions
Comparable formal training in hospitals, clinics, or schools

Experience and Education Requirements by Grade Level (Group Standard):

Grade	General Experience	Specialized Experience	Education
GS-3	6 months	None	1-year ADA program or practical nurse training
GS-4	6 months	6 months	2-year dental program
GS-5	None	1 year at GS-4 level	4-year bachelor's degree
GS-6+	None	1 year at next lower grade	Graduate education if directly related

🎖️Tips for Veterans

✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.

🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk

Military jobs that transition to GS-0681

Air Force4Y0X1

★★★★★Match

Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant series. VA dental clinics and military dental facilities.

Skills:

Dental AssistanceSterilizationPatient CareX-Ray

Entry Grades:

GS-4GS-5GS-6

💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.

📋Typical Duties

•Assist dentists with procedures
•Prepare patients for treatment
•Sterilize instruments
•Take dental x-rays
•Maintain patient records
•Schedule appointments
•Order supplies
•Educate patients
•Maintain equipment
•Process insurance

🎯Key Competencies

Dental Assistance

Skill in assisting dentists during examinations and procedures.

Instrument Preparation

Ability to prepare and sterilize dental instruments and equipment.

Radiography

Skill in taking and processing dental X-rays.

Patient Preparation

Ability to prepare patients for dental procedures.

Infection Control

Knowledge of dental infection control and sterilization procedures.

Dental Materials

Skill in handling dental materials and supplies.

Patient Communication

Ability to communicate with patients and explain procedures.

Record Keeping

Skill in maintaining dental records and appointment schedules.

🔑Resume Keywords

Assist dentists with proceduresDental AssistantEducate patientsMaintain equipmentMaintain patient recordsOrder suppliesPrepare patients for treatmentProcess insuranceSchedule appointmentsSterilize instrumentsTake dental x-rays

💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems find your qualifications.