Launch Your Career as a Dental Assistant with the VA in Lubbock

Are you a dedicated dental professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Amarillo Veterans Affairs Health Care System is currently seeking passionate, detail-oriented individuals to serve as Dental Assistants in Lubbock, Texas. This is a unique opportunity to provide essential care to our nation’s Veterans while enjoying the stability and benefits of a federal career.

Job Responsibilities

As a Dental Assistant, you will function as an integral member of the dental care team. Your responsibilities include:

Chairside Assisting: Efficiently passing instruments and managing the operative field for general and specialty procedures, including oral surgery, endodontics, and periodontics.
Dental Imaging: Exposing and processing diagnostic-quality dental radiographs while adhering to strict safety protocols.
Infection Control: Maintaining rigorous sterilization standards for all dental instruments and equipment.
Patient Care: Preparing patients for treatment, providing post-operative instructions, and ensuring patient comfort.
Laboratory Support: Pouring impressions, trimming study models, and fabricating custom trays.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must be a U.S. citizen and possess proficiency in English. Technical qualifications include:

Education/Experience: Six months of relevant work experience OR successful completion of a CODA-accredited dental assistant program.
Radiology Certification: Proof of certification in dental radiation health and safety through an approved state or national board.
Background: Ability to pass a federal background investigation and drug screening.

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $36,464 to $59,031 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. The VA offers regular, merit-based salary increases.

Comparison of Grade Levels

Grade Level	Focus	Key Competency
GS-3/4	Entry/Developmental	Basic infection control & tray setup
GS-5	Intermediate	Patient vitals & software proficiency
GS-6	Full Performance	Advanced specialty procedure support

Benefits

Working for the VA provides more than just a paycheck. Employees receive:

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of total leave annually.
Retirement: A robust pension plan and federal 401(k) with up to 5% matching.
Insurance: Federal health, dental, and vision coverage that stays with you into retirement.
Work-Life Balance: Compressed or flexible work schedules available.

Application Tips

Be Specific: When describing past employment, list dates as MM/YYYY and clarify the hours worked per week.
Use the Template: Use the standard VA clinical resume link provided on the VA careers site to ensure your application meets all administrative requirements.
Document Everything: Upload your transcripts and professional certifications immediately to ensure your qualifications are fully credited.

This is more than just a job; it is a chance to serve those who have served our country. If you possess the clinical skills and the desire to join a top-tier healthcare team in Lubbock, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Dental Assistant Job Matters

Join a dedicated team in Lubbock, Texas, providing high-quality dental care to our nation's heroes at the Amarillo VA Health Care System.

Dental Assistant Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking skilled Dental Assistants to join our clinical team in Lubbock, Texas. In this role, you will play a vital part in our mission to provide compassionate, whole-person healthcare to Veterans. You will perform a variety of chairside duties, assist with specialized procedures, and contribute to the overall operational efficiency of our dental clinic.

Requirements for Dental Assistant

Must be a United States Citizen.
Must possess proficiency in written and spoken English.
Completion of a CODA-accredited dental assistant program or at least six months of relevant experience.
Must meet radiologic procedure certification requirements (DANB, DoD, or state-approved exams).
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Must undergo a background and security investigation.
Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination mandates for health care personnel.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Dental Assistant

Hands-on experience in oral surgical procedures.
Strong proficiency in making dental impressions.
Proven operative and prosthodontic assisting skills.
Experience across diverse dental specialties including endodontics, restorative dentistry, implants, and periodontics.
Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS).
Ability to produce diagnostic-quality radiographs independently.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance programs.
✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave annually.
✓11 paid Federal holidays per year.
✓Federal pension plan and 401(k) with up to 5% employer matching.
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
✓Potential child care subsidy for eligible employees.

💡 How to Apply Dental Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Dental Assistant Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement and required document checklist.
Prepare your resume and ensure all relevant education or certification documents are ready for upload.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application package by the closing date of August 7, 2026.
Monitor your email for confirmation and future status updates.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume; include dates in MM/YYYY format and hours worked per week to ensure you receive full credit for your experience.
Ensure your resume explicitly mentions your experience with infection control, patient care, and specific dental procedures.
Clinical applicants should use the standardized VA clinical resume document provided on the VA Careers website.
Upload all required transcripts and certifications at the time of application to avoid delays.
Double-check your responses to the assessment questionnaire before final submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical work schedule for this position?

The schedule is Monday through Thursday from 0700 to 1630, and Friday from 0700 to 1530, with every other Friday off.

Is relocation assistance available?

No, permanent change of station (relocation assistance) is not authorized for this position.

Are there opportunities for career advancement?

Yes, this position has a promotion potential up to the GS-6 level, which serves as the full performance level for staff dental assistants.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and their families. At the Amarillo VA Health Care System, we pride ourselves on a compassionate, patient-centered approach to healthcare. Lubbock, Texas, offers an exceptional quality of life, blending big-city amenities with a welcoming small-town atmosphere, a low cost of living, and no state income tax.