Launch Your Healthcare Career: Dental Assistant Opportunities with the VA

Are you a dental professional looking for a career that combines clinical excellence with a higher purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking compassionate, skilled Dental Assistants to support our mission in Knoxville, Tennessee. This is a unique opportunity to serve those who have served our country, providing high-quality dental care in a professional, team-oriented environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Dental Assistant, you will act as a critical member of the dental care team. Your daily tasks include:

Chairside Assistance: Preparing treatment rooms, maintaining a clear operative field, and assisting with complex procedures like oral surgery, periodontics, and endodontics.
Imaging: Capturing diagnostic-quality dental images using digital and traditional formats.
Patient Care: Monitoring vital signs, applying topical anesthetics/fluoride, and providing post-operative education.
Clinical Support: Sterilizing equipment, managing records in the electronic dental database, and preparing dental laboratory materials.

Comparison: Private Practice vs. VA Dental Assistant

Feature	Private Practice	VA Dental Assistant
Benefits	Varies	Comprehensive Federal Benefits
Retirement	Varies	Pension + 401k Matching
Patient Base	General Public	US Veterans
Leave	Limited	37-50 Days PTO/Year

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must be U.S. citizens and proficient in English. You must also meet one of the following:

Six months of relevant clinical experience.
Completion of an accredited 1-year dental assistant program.
A combination of both education and experience.

Additionally, all applicants must satisfy radiologic competence standards via approved certification programs.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $45,409 to $59,031 per year. Compensation is structured to provide stability, with opportunities for pay adjustments based on specialized qualifications or organizational needs.

Benefits

Beyond the salary, the VHA offers an industry-leading benefits package:

Paid Time Off: Accrue significant leave, including sick time and 11 paid federal holidays.
Health/Insurance: Access to premium federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
Retirement: Secure your future with our federal pension and 5% employer-matched 401k.
Work-Life Balance: Access to paid parental leave and childcare subsidies for eligible families.

Application Tips

Use the Required Template: Download the specific clinical resume document provided by the VA to ensure your submission is compliant.
Quantify Your Experience: Clearly state your years of experience in restorative and surgical assisting.
Stay Current: Ensure all certifications for radiology are clearly visible in your documentation.
Check Status: Use the USAJobs portal to track your application progress after the initial 15-day review window.

Serving as a Dental Assistant at the VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence and a way to honor those who have sacrificed for our nation. With excellent benefits, a collaborative team culture, and a rewarding daily mission, this position in Knoxville offers a fantastic career path. Apply today via the USAJobs portal and take the next step in your healthcare journey.

Why This Dental Assistant Job Matters

Transform lives by providing expert dental care to our nation's heroes in the beautiful scenery of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Dental Assistant Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking dedicated Dental Assistants to join our clinical team in Knoxville. This position focuses on providing high-quality chairside assistance, ensuring patient comfort, and supporting complex dental procedures. You will play a vital role in our mission to deliver compassionate, whole-health care to Veterans, working in an environment that prioritizes patient dignity and professional growth.

Requirements for Dental Assistant

United States Citizenship
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Six months of relevant experience or a 1-year accredited dental assistant program
Must meet radiologic competence certification standards
Ability to pass a background/security investigation
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Dental Assistant

Three consecutive years of chairside dental assisting experience in General Dentistry
Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓13-26 days of annual leave plus 13 days of sick leave annually
✓11 paid Federal holidays
✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance options
✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting
✓Federal 401k (TSP) with up to 5% employer matching
✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of employment
✓Childcare subsidy for eligible families

💡 How to Apply Dental Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Dental Assistant Job

Create a profile on the USAJobs portal
Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document
Prepare all necessary supporting documents, such as transcripts or SF-50s
Complete the online occupational questionnaire
Submit your full application package via the USAJobs link before the closing date

💡 General Tips

Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided to ensure your application passes initial screening.
Be detailed in your resume; do not assume the hiring manager understands your previous duties without clear documentation.
Ensure your radiologic certification documentation is clearly attached as required.
Monitor your email for status updates following the 15-day review cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Dental Assistant position virtual?

No, this is an onsite position located in Knoxville, Tennessee, requiring direct interaction with patients.

What is the work schedule?

The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:45 am to 4:30 pm, though some compressed tour options may be available.

Can I apply if I don't have my DANB certification yet?

Yes, while DANB certification is highly desirable, it is not strictly required for this grade level, provided you meet the basic education and radiologic competence requirements.

What is the trial period?

*A: New hires typically serve a 1-2 year trial period to evaluate performance and alignment with agency standards.*

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: No, this position does not offer relocation assistance.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We are committed to a 'Whole Health' model that empowers both our Veterans and our staff. By joining our team, you become part of a High Reliability Organization (HRO) dedicated to safety, innovation, and relational care. Working in Knoxville provides the perfect balance of professional challenge and a high quality of life, featuring a low cost of living and vibrant community activities.