Summary

PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE ANNOUNCEMENT TO ENSURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET.

The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series.

The Miami VA Healthcare System's Surgical Care Service is seeking an experienced and dynamic Dentist. Our ideal applicants are those who want to contribute to the achievement of quality care standards, as well as the growth and development of a VA academic hospital program.

Duties

Help

The Dentist (Periodontist) focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum (periodontal) diseases, as well as the placement of dental implants and other procedures to preserve and restore the supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontists are essential in preserving long-term oral health by diagnosing and treating gum diseases, performing surgical and regenerative procedures, placing implants, and providing ongoing maintenance and education to patients.

Other duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Examine gums and supporting structures for signs of periodontal disease, gingivitis, periodontitis, gum recession, and bone loss
• Use clinical exams, X-rays, and other diagnostic tools to assess oral health status.
• Develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs and goals
• Perform scaling and root planning (deep cleaning) to remove plaque and calculus
• Carry out gum grafts, pocket reduction surgery, bone grafts, and other periodontal surgeries
• Prescribe medications and guide at-home oral care to manage and prevent disease progression
• Assess implant candidacy, plan placement using digital imaging, and perform surgical implant placement
• Provide post-operative care and maintenance for implants
• Educate patients on oral hygiene, nutrition, and lifestyle factors affecting gum health
• Schedule and perform follow-up visits, professional cleanings, and monitoring of treatment outcomes
• Work with general dentists, orthodontists, and other specialists to coordinate comprehensive care
• Maintain detailed patient records, including oral health history and treatment notes
• Stay current with the latest research, technologies, and periodontal techniques

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

(Note: Work schedules are determined and approved by the supervisor. The incumbent may be required to work various shifts on a permanent or temporary basis based on facility/patient care needs).

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• 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 probationary 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

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen.
• Education: Degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery or Dental Medicine resulting from a course of education in dentistry. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed. Approved schools are:
  
  • (1) United States and Canadian schools of dentistry listed by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), in the list published for the year in which the course of study was completed.
  • (2) Schools (including foreign schools) accepted by the licensing body of a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia as qualifying for full and unrestricted licensure provided the licensure requirements include a written examination measuring science achievement and a performance examination measuring clinical competence certification, and must obtain a copy of the ECFMG certificate, if claimed by the applicant.
• Residency or Comparable Experience: Completed, or you are currently completing, a residency program in general practice or specialty, or comparable experience as a dentist actively involved in treating medically compromised patients.
• Licensure and Registration: Currently hold, or will hold, a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice dentistry in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. Note: Dentists must maintain current registration in the State of licensure if this is a requirement for continuing active, current licensure.
• English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.

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

Physical Requirements: Must pass a pre-employment physical examination as required by VA Handbook 5019. This examination is administered by VA Occupational Health. This position requires moderate lifting up to 44 lbs., carrying objects up to 15 lbs., frequent reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, hands and legs, use of cranes and motor vehicles, walking and standing up to 8 hours, bending and climbing and able to hear whisper. The incumbent must be physically, emotionally, and mentally stable in order to efficiently perform the essential functions of this position without hazard to themselves or others.

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

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

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

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.

Expand Hide additional information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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.