Launch Your Career as a Dental Assistant at the Sioux Falls VA
Are you a skilled dental professional looking to transition into a career where your work directly honors those who have served our country? The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is currently hiring Dental Assistants to join our clinical team. This position offers a unique chance to work within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), providing essential dental care in an environment that prioritizes excellence, research, and whole-health patient outcomes.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dental Assistant, you will act as a critical member of the Dental Service. Your primary duties include:
- Chairside Assisting: Supporting dentists using four-handed dentistry techniques and maintaining clear operative fields.
- Dental Imaging: Capturing diagnostic-quality radiographs while strictly adhering to radiation safety protocols.
- Infection Control: Managing the sterilization of instruments and ensuring operatories meet rigid health standards.
- Patient Coordination: Preparing patients for procedures, performing medication reconciliation, and providing post-operative care instructions.
- Clerical Support: Utilizing VistA and CPRS software to manage patient records, treatment plans, and laboratory cards.
Requirements
To qualify for this role, you must meet the following baseline standards:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Education/Experience | 1-year accredited program or 6 months clinical experience |
| Radiography | Must meet credentialing standards for radiologic procedures |
| Background | Must be able to pass a security/suitability investigation |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $37,026 to $67,387 annually, depending on your qualifications and grade level. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides an incomparable benefits package, including:
- Federal health insurance options.
- Generous leave accrual (vacation and sick time).
- Comprehensive retirement plans.
- The benefit of living in South Dakota, which has no state income tax.
Application Tips
Success in federal hiring depends heavily on your application presentation. Ensure you use the specific Clinical Resume template provided by the VA and be granular in your descriptions of previous dental experience. Do not leave room for assumptions—highlight every skill, from infection control to specialized dental procedures.
Joining the Sioux Falls VA as a Dental Assistant is more than a job—it is a commitment to the men and women who have sacrificed for our nation. If you are passionate about high-quality dentistry and want to join a team that values your professional growth, we encourage you to apply before the closing date.
Why This Dental Assistant Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation by joining the Sioux Falls VA as a Dental Assistant—a role where clinical excellence meets compassionate care.
Dental Assistant Job Overview
The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Dental Assistant to join our specialized Dental Service team. In this role, you will perform essential chairside assistance, capture diagnostic-quality dental images, and support a wide range of oral health procedures. You will work within a collaborative, state-of-the-art medical environment dedicated to providing 'Whole Health' care for Veterans. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to grow your clinical expertise while ensuring that our nation's heroes receive the highest quality of dental services.
Requirements for Dental Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may be appointed only if no qualified citizens are available).
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Completion of a 1-year accredited dental assistant program OR six months of qualifying clinical experience.
- Must meet radiologic procedure credentialing standards (certification in dental radiation health and safety).
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Ability to complete a background and security investigation.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Assistant
- Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
- Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS).
- Experience with electronic dental record systems, specifically VistA or CPRS.
- Proficiency in four-handed dentistry and specialized procedures such as endodontics or periodontics.
- Advanced knowledge of oral anatomy and infection control protocols.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Comprehensive Federal health insurance plans
- âś“Life insurance and retirement programs
- âś“Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- âś“No state income tax in South Dakota
- âś“Professional development and training opportunities
- âś“Access to a world-class teaching hospital environment
đź’ˇ How to Apply Dental Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Assistant Job
- Create or update your account on the USAJobs portal.
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA career link.
- Prepare your full resume/CV and supporting documentation (transcripts, licenses, or SF-50 if applicable).
- Complete the occupational questionnaire via the application link.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of September 28, 2026.
- Monitor your email for status updates and confirmation.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific when describing your experience; do not assume the recruiter knows your day-to-day tasks.
- Ensure your resume clearly addresses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed in the job requirements.
- Use the specific Clinical Resume template provided by the VA to avoid processing delays.
- Double-check that all required documents, including licenses and certificates, are attached before submitting.
- Keep a copy of your application confirmation for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full performance level for this position?
The full performance level for this position is GS-6.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an onsite position located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and is not eligible for telework.
What should I do if I am a current Federal employee?
Current permanent Federal employees must submit their most recent SF-50 to verify their status and tenure.
Is DANB certification required?
*A: While DANB certification is not strictly mandatory for every grade level, it is highly desirable and can strengthen your application significantly.*
Can I work from home?
*A: No, this position is strictly onsite and involves direct clinical interaction with patients.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." As part of the VA Midwest Healthcare System (VISN 23), the Sioux Falls VA is a teaching hospital equipped with cutting-edge technology. We provide a full spectrum of care, ranging from primary and tertiary care to specialized dental services, all while maintaining a supportive culture for our staff.