Lead Dental Assistant: Career Opportunity at the Eastern Oklahoma VA
The Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System is currently inviting applications for a Lead Dental Assistant to support our mission of serving Veterans. This role combines high-level clinical expertise with leadership responsibilities, providing an ideal environment for experienced dental professionals looking to advance their federal careers.
Job Responsibilities
As a Lead Dental Assistant, you will play a critical role in the daily operations of our dental clinic. Your core duties will include:
- Clinical Support: Assisting in specialized procedures, including oral surgery, endodontics, and prosthodontics.
- Patient Care: Monitoring vital signs, applying topical anesthetics, and providing patient education.
- Leadership: Acting as a liaison between staff and supervisors, coordinating daily workflows, and assisting in program development.
- Imaging: Performing advanced imaging techniques, including cone beam and panoramic digital formats.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship status.
- Valid radiologic certification as per federal standards.
- Completion of an accredited dental assistant program or documented equivalent experience.
- Ability to pass a drug test and federal security background check.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $66,939 to $87,023 per year. Beyond the base pay, employees enjoy:
| Benefit Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Paid Time Off | 13-26 days Annual Leave + 13 days Sick Leave + 11 Holidays |
| Retirement | Federal Pension + 401K with 5% Match |
| Insurance | Health, Vision, Dental, Life, and Long-Term Care |
| Work-Life | Paid Parental Leave and Childcare Subsidies |
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of selection, ensure your resume is comprehensive. Include specific dates of employment, hours worked per week, and a clear breakdown of your clinical accomplishments. Do not use generic templates; tailor your resume to reflect the specific technical competencies mentioned in the job duties section.
Serving the Veterans of Eastern Oklahoma is a noble pursuit. If you possess the clinical skills and leadership potential to excel in a federal healthcare setting, we encourage you to apply by the September 30, 2026, deadline.
Why This Lead Dental Assistant Job Matters
Advance your dental career while honoring our nation's heroes—join the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System as a Lead Dental Assistant.
Lead Dental Assistant Job Overview
The Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Lead Dental Assistant to join our clinical team in Muskogee, Oklahoma. In this pivotal role, you will perform advanced dental assisting procedures, provide clinical guidance to staff, and support the strategic development of our dental programs. This is an excellent opportunity to impact the lives of Veterans while working in a supportive, mission-driven environment that balances clinical complexity with professional work-life harmony.
Requirements for Lead Dental Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Minimum six months of dental assisting experience or completion of a 1-year CODA-accredited dental assistant program.
- Valid certification in radiologic procedures meeting 42 CFR Part 75 standards.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Ability to pass a background/security investigation.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Ability to complete a 1-2 year trial period.
Preferred Qualifications for Lead Dental Assistant
- Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
- Certification in basic life support (BLS) methods.
- At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level.
- Advanced knowledge of dental assisting across multiple practice areas.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate clinical workflows and provide staff oversight.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year.
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays.
- ✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
- ✓Child care subsidy for eligible employees.
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan.
- ✓Federal 401K with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance options.
💡 How to Apply Lead Dental Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Lead Dental Assistant Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the required occupational questionnaire.
- Prepare your resume according to the specific VA Clinical Resume Document template.
- Upload all necessary documents, including transcripts and SF-50 forms if applicable.
- Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes exact start and end dates (month/year) for all positions.
- Specify whether your past experience was full-time or part-time, including hours worked per week.
- Do not assume the hiring team knows your background; be specific about your skills and competencies.
- Use the provided standard resume document link for your primary upload.
- Check your USAJOBS dashboard regularly to monitor your application status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Lead Dental Assistant?
The Lead Dental Assistant provides advanced clinical chairside assistance, helps coordinate clinic workflow, and serves as a mentor and liaison for staff dental assistants within the VA health system.
Is this position eligible for remote work?
No, this is an onsite position located at the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System in Muskogee, OK.
What documentation is required regarding my dental education?
You must provide transcripts verifying your education from an accredited institution. Foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
Part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System is a Level 2 complexity medical center. We serve over 47,000 Veterans across 25 counties. Our facility offers a rewarding balance of professional clinical challenges and a high quality of life in the scenic city of Muskogee, Oklahoma.