Launch Your Career as a Dental Assistant at the Sioux Falls VA
Are you a dedicated dental professional looking to make a meaningful difference? The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is currently hiring a Dental Assistant to join our esteemed clinical team. This role offers more than just a job; it is a chance to serve the men and women who have sacrificed for our nation while working in a supportive, high-tech, and collaborative environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dental Assistant, you will act as a vital member of the Dental Service. Your daily duties will include:
- Chairside Assisting: Utilizing four-handed dentistry to support general and specialized procedures.
- Radiography: Capturing high-quality diagnostic images while maintaining strict radiation safety standards.
- Infection Control: Managing the sterilization of instruments and maintaining a pristine clinical environment.
- Patient Coordination: Preparing dental medicaments, managing records, and providing essential post-operative education to Veterans.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must demonstrate:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
- Education/Experience: A minimum of six months of relevant experience or completion of a CODA-accredited dental assistant program.
- Certification: You must meet credentialing standards for radiologic procedures.
- Proficiency: Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
Salary and Grade Overview
Candidates are hired based on their qualifications and experience. Below is the potential salary range and growth path:
| Level | Experience/Education Required | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| GS-3 | Basic Requirements | Foundational Knowledge |
| GS-4 | 1 Year Experience or Degree | Clinical Readiness |
| GS-5 | 1 Year at GS-4 level | Advanced Competency |
| GS-6 | 1 Year at GS-5 level | Full Performance Level |
Salary range: $37,026 – $67,387 per year.
Why Work for the VA?
Working for the federal government comes with unparalleled stability and benefits. From a generous federal pension and 401(k) matching to an extensive leave package, we prioritize your long-term wellness. Additionally, South Dakota’s lack of state income tax allows you to keep more of your hard-earned pay.
If you are ready to pivot your dental career toward service, the Sioux Falls VA is the place for you. Apply today to contribute to a mission that honors our Veterans every single day.
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.
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 provide vital clinical support in a teaching hospital environment, helping to deliver comprehensive, compassionate care to Veterans. This is an excellent opportunity to work with state-of-the-art dental technology while contributing to a mission-driven organization that values your professional growth and service to our nation's heroes.
Requirements for Dental Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific exceptions apply).
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Must meet radiologic credentialing standards via DANB certification or approved state/DoD programs.
- Mandatory participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Subject to pre-employment drug screening.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Assistant
- Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
- Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS).
- Clinical experience in a hospital or specialized dental setting.
- Proficiency with modern electronic dental record (EDR) software.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases
- ✓37–50 days of paid time off per year (Annual leave, sick leave, and 11 Federal holidays)
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓Traditional federal pension and 401(k) retirement options with agency matching
- ✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
- ✓Childcare subsidies for eligible employees
- ✓No state income tax in South Dakota
💡 How to Apply Dental Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Assistant Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume document.
- Prepare your full resume, transcript, and any applicable eligibility documents (e.g., DD-214, SF-50).
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package online before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough in your resume to ensure all experience and skills are clearly documented.
- Use the provided VA-specific resume template for the restricted document upload.
- Review your application for completeness before submission, as missing documents may affect your eligibility.
- Check your status regularly via the USAJOBS portal to track your application progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this is an on-site, patient-facing clinical role and is not eligible for telework or virtual work.
What is the full performance level of this position?
The full performance level for this vacancy is GS-6, though selections can be made at the GS-3 through GS-6 levels based on qualifications.
Do I need to be a certified radiographer to apply?
Yes, you must meet radiologic credentialing standards either through current certification or by meeting specific educational and safety requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System provides a full range of services, including surgery, psychiatry, and comprehensive dental care. As a teaching hospital, we pride ourselves on utilizing state-of-the-art technology and evidence-based practices to improve the lives of our Veterans.