Launch Your Dental Healthcare Career with the VA
Are you a skilled dental assistant looking for a role that combines professional growth with a noble mission? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Oklahoma City is looking for motivated individuals to join our dental team. This is a unique opportunity to provide high-quality care to the men and women who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dental Assistant, your duties are varied and essential to clinic efficiency. Key responsibilities include:
- Chairside Support: Assisting dentists during restorative, surgical, and periodontal procedures.
- Sterilization: Ensuring all equipment and operatory suites meet strict infection-control protocols.
- Patient Care: Preparing patients for treatment, taking vital signs, and providing oral hygiene education.
- Administrative Tasks: Entering patient data into electronic records and managing dental supplies.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must meet several federal criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Language: Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.
- Certification: You must hold a certification in radiologic procedures.
- Background: Candidates must pass a background check and initial drug screening.
Grade Level Comparison
| Grade Level | Education/Experience Requirement |
|---|---|
| GS-3 | Entry level, meets basic requirements. |
| GS-4 | 1 year experience or 2 years post-high school education. |
| GS-5 | 1 year at GS-4 level or 4-year degree with dental focus. |
| GS-6 | Full performance level; requires 1 year at GS-5 level. |
Salary Overview
This position is compensated annually, with a range between $36,464 and $69,934. Your starting grade is determined by your verified years of experience and education level.
Benefits
Working for the VA offers a robust benefits package:
- Paid Leave: Up to 50 days of total paid time off (annual, sick, and holidays).
- Parental Leave: 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents.
- Retirement: Federal pension and 401(k) matching up to 5%.
- Insurance: Extensive choices for health, dental, and life coverage.
Application Tips
- Documentation: Always use the VA-provided clinical resume template.
- Verification: Ensure your resume clearly states the months and years for every job entry to verify your experience.
- Check Status: Use your USAJOBS account to track your application throughout the review process.
Serving the Veterans of Oklahoma City is an honorable and fulfilling career path. With excellent benefits and a supportive environment, this role is a perfect stepping stone for dental professionals. Apply today via the official government portal.
Why This Dental Assistant Job Matters
Launch your career in dental healthcare with a mission-driven team dedicated to serving our nation's Veterans at the Oklahoma City VA Healthcare System.
Dental Assistant Job Overview
The Oklahoma City VA Healthcare System is seeking dedicated Dental Assistants to join our multidisciplinary team. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to high-quality clinical care in a state-of-the-art facility. As part of the Veterans Health Administration, you will support restorative, surgical, and periodontal procedures while ensuring patient comfort and safety. This is an open continuous announcement aimed at filling multiple vacancies, providing a stable and rewarding career path in a city known for its vibrant culture and high quality of life.
Requirements for Dental Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply per VA policy)
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Six months of relevant experience or a 1-year accredited dental assistant program
- Successful completion of radiologic competency certification
- Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening and background investigation
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Assistant
- Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- Experience within the last two years
- Proficiency in electronic dental record systems
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓13-26 days of annual paid leave plus 13 days of sick leave
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays per year
- ✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401(k)-style thrift savings plan with employer matching
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, and dental insurance
- ✓Childcare subsidies for eligible employees
💡 How to Apply Dental Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Assistant Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Download the mandatory Clinical Resume document from the provided VA link.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Upload your resume, SF-50 (if applicable), and relevant certifications.
- Review your application for accuracy and submit before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific about your work hours and full-time/part-time status in your resume.
- Use the standard Clinical Resume document provided by the VA to ensure compliance.
- Attach all required SF-50 forms if you are a current or former federal employee to demonstrate time-in-grade.
- Double-check your responses to the occupational questionnaire as they are verified against your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pay range for this position?
The salary range for this position is $36,464 to $69,934 per year, depending on the assigned GS grade level (GS-3 to GS-6) based on experience and qualifications.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an onsite clinical position based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Do I need to be a certified Dental Assistant to apply?
While certification by the DANB is highly desirable, the basic requirement is six months of experience or completion of an accredited 1-year dental assistant program.
Can I apply if I am not a veteran?
Yes, these positions are open to the public; however, veterans often receive preference in the hiring process.
Is there a relocation bonus?
Currently, recruitment incentives and relocation assistance are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Oklahoma City VA Healthcare System is a premier clinical facility serving over 81,000 Veterans. We pride ourselves on a patient-centered approach, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to deliver comprehensive health services. Our staff enjoys a dynamic environment that promotes work-life balance while offering the stimulation of a teaching hospital setting.